Ben Murphy and Temi Lasisi to join Connacht Rugby

Connacht Rugby has announced the signings of Ben Murphy and Temi Lasisi from Leinster Rugby ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Scrum-half Murphy has amassed experience at both Leinster and Munster as well as the Ireland Under 20 set-up. He has made 14 appearances for Leinster, including eight this season and three in the Investec Champions Cup. He also had a period at Munster earlier in his career as injury cover.

In 2020, Murphy played in all three of Ireland’s fixtures in the Under 20 Six Nations before the competition was postponed and eventually cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prop Lasisi joins from the Leinster Academy. He has made two appearances with the senior Leinster team. A former Ireland Under 20 international, Lasisi made three appearances in the 2021 Under 20 Six Nations competition.

The Enniscorthy native can play at either loosehead or tighthead prop, making him a valuable addition to the Connacht squad next season.

Head coach Pete Wilkins said: “In Ben and Temi, we have signed two highly promising players in key positions. Ben has already gathered important minutes for Leinster at URC and Champions Cup level, and he will provide both competition and depth in our scrum-half position. We’re delighted to welcome Ben to the club and I know his new team-mates and our supporters will enjoy getting to know him next season.”

Wilkins added: “Temi arrives with enormous potential having come through the Leinster and Irish rugby pathways as a destructive loosehead but now with the ability to also play tighthead. His versatility will perfectly complement the six other props we have contracted for next season, and I am really excited by the opportunity to work with him and support his development over the coming seasons.”