Galway’s home-grown rugby star Cathal Forde has signed a new, two-year deal with Connacht Rugby.
The 22-year-old talented centre is fast-becoming a mainstay in the Connacht backline, and is regarded as one of the province’s “most exciting young prospects in Irish Rugby” according to head coach Pete Wilkins.
After 23 appearances, Forde has proven his versatility. He can cover outside centre and outhalf, and he featured in all five games for Ireland in the 2021 Six Nations U-20 championship.
Forde, who made his debut for Connacht against Glasgow in January 2022, played his rugby with Coláiste Iognáid and Corinthians before joining the Connacht Academy. Wilkins says Forde is an “exciting talent and excellent young professional”.
“I am delighted he has committed to Connacht Rugby for another two seasons. As a local lad and academy graduate, he is a great example of the type of player and person the club and supporters are so proud to be associated with,” the coach said.
And Wilkins believes there is more to come from Forde: “He has thrived with the first team opportunities he has been given so far, and we are all excited by what he can achieve in the season to come.”
Forde said he was delighted to extend his contract: "I am delighted to sign a two-year contract and extend my stay at my home province. I feel there is so much more to come with my games, and I know being at Connacht will help develop that,” he said. “We have a really good group of players here, and I want to play my part in helping the club succeed.”
