Duo commit to Connacht

McCarthy: Two-year deal

Mike McCarthy has re-signed for Connacht, while the Magners League outfit have also landed Eoghan Grace.

"A move to Connacht is a positive step in my career."
Eoghan Grace Quotes of the week

McCarthy spent one season at the Sportsground back in 2003, before joining the Newcastle Falcons and went on to make 67 appearances.

The 29-year-old has seen his international prospects enhanced since returning to Galway in 2007 after being called up to the Ireland squad for the RBS Six Nations.

And back row McCarthy, who bagged his 100th Connacht cap last season, will now remain with the province until the end of the 2012/13 campaign.

Dynamic

Connacht have also been boosted by the capture of dynamic forward Grace from the Exeter Chiefs.

Grace was a member of the Ireland U20 side that captured the Grand Slam in 2007 and also played for Ireland in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.

The former Munster Academy graduate, who can cover any of the back row positions, will join Connacht at the end of this season on a two-year deal.

"It's a great opportunity to come back to Ireland and progress my career with Connacht," said Grace.

"I've had a great chance in Exeter this season and have learned a lot from coaching staff there, but a move to Connacht is a positive step in my career.

"And the chance to play with some of the lads and coaches who I played with at underage level at Ireland is just great."