Connacht prop Finlay Bealham signs two-year contract extension

Connacht have announced that prop prop Finlay Bealham has signed a two-year contract extension with the club.

Born in Canberra, Bealham graduated from Connacht Academy and went on to make his senior debut with the club in 2014.

The 32-year-old was part of the Pro12 winning Connacht side in 2016 and is nearing 200 appearances for the club. He also was named in the Dream Team of the United Rugby Championship in the 2015/16 and 2022/23 seasons.

Bealham made his Ireland debut in 2016 and has 36 Test appearances to his name. He was also part of the Grand Slam winning Ireland side earlier in the year.

"Playing for my club and country is something I’ll never take for granted, and representing Ireland at the World Cup in front of our incredible fans was one of the proudest moments of my career," he told the club's official website.

"Connacht has been my home for 12 years now and I love it here. We’ve had great days in the past and I’m sure there are more great days to come.

"I can’t wait to get back playing with the club, and I’m more motivated than ever to help bring success to the province and national team in the years ahead."

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins is delighted with Bealham staying committed to the club.

"Finlay’s contract extension is another brilliant bit of news for the club. Quality tightheads props are vital in the modern game and with Finlay Connacht have a world-class operator in his position.

"He’s someone who keeps going from strength to strength and he’s proven his importance both to us and in the Ireland set-up.

"He’s also a brilliant guy and really popular in the dressing room, so his commitment to Connacht for another few years is great for everyone concerned."