Connacht have nailed down some 20 players of the 27 who were out of contract, according to coach Andy Friend.
Having extended his own stay for another two years, Friend says once the IRFU gave Connacht the green light for funding, the province moved pretty quickly.
"It's definitely progressing," he says. "Because of Covid and uncertainty, we are about five months behind.
"One of most important things is that we keep this squad together, and we believe we have a very good squad.
"We want blokes who want to be here, who want to play for Connacht, and try to win that silverware we keep talking about."
Discussions are also continuing with 17 backroom staff, some who are looking at other options, he says, or keen to take on different roles.
"It is another part of my remit, to support not only players, but also the staff, and to allow them to continue to grow either at Connacht or elsewhere."
Friend says he is now in a "comfortable place" - the two year extension giving the Australian four years to bring silverware to Connacht - and the longest of his career as a head coach.
"We have found a place in Galway with Connacht we enjoy. We believe we are building something special here and would love to see it through."
"I am at a place now where I am very comfortable. It doesn't mean I stop learning, but we believe, my wife and I, that we have found a place in Galway with Connacht we enjoy."
