Connacht Rugby has signed Scottish hooker Grant Stewart on a short term, six-month contract.
Stewart (27 ), who will provide further injury cover and depth, spent five years at Glasgow Warriors. He has represented Scotland at underage level and made his senior international debut against France in 2019.
Head coach Andy Friend says Connacht is currently "a little light" at hooker.
"We have three quality hookers in the squad in Dave Heffernan, Shane Delahunt and Dylan Tierney-Martin. However, with Dave now a regular Ireland squad member, and Shane unfortunately absent through injury for a little while longer, we’re now a little light in the position.
"I’m very pleased we have been able to sign a player of Grant’s calibre and we have begun to integrate him into the squad this week, well in time for the start of the new season."
The Scotsman could well get an opportunity when Connacht play Sale Sharks in a pre-season challenge in Dubarry Park, Athlone, on Friday August 26 (7pm ).
It will be the squad’s first fixture at the ground since 2018, which will enable the new pitch at the Sportsground to be installed.
A separate matchday squad will also travel to France the same week for a pre-season friendly with Castres Olympique on Wednesday August 24 in Lacaune (5.30pm Irish time ).
Tickets for the Connacht v Sale game are on sale now at connachtrugby.ie Season Tickets will be valid for this game, and e-tickets will be distributed to all Season Ticket holders in advance.
Connacht Academy Squad
Connacht Rugby recently announced a 13-player squad in this season’s Connacht Academy which boasts six year-one additions.
It includes U20 Six Nations winner Matthew Devine (scrumhalf ) and his brother John (centre ), both of whom came through the ranks at Garbally College and Ballinasloe RFC.
Also included is Ballina RFC's outhalf Harry West and a trio of Ireland U20 Six Nations winners, centre Daniel Hawkshaw (brother of new Pro arrival David Hawkshaw ), prop Oisin Michel and Leitrim native centre Shane Mallon.
Year two academy players include Sligo’s scrumhalf Hubert Gilvarry, Buccaneers RFC duo Will Reilly (scrumhalf ) and Josh O’Connor (back ), and prop Bart Vermeulen.
Year three players are hooker Eoin de Buitlear from An Cheathrú Rua, Sligo native and backrow player Donnacha Byrne, and prop Charlie Ward.
More players are expected to be added as the season progresses.
