Jack Carty named Connacht captain for 2022/23 season

Connacht have announced that Ireland international Jack Carty will be leading them in the 2022/23 season.

The 29-year-old will be aided by Jarrad Butler and Bundee Aki, who will be the vice captains for the upcoming campaign.

Carty has been with Connacht since his professional rugby debut in 2012 and has racked up 180 appearances for the club. He is also in line to become the club's all-time leading points scorer with Eric Elwood above him on the list.

“It’s a huge honour to become club captain of my home province. I first walked through the doors as a 14 year old and if you said to me I would play for Connacht never mind captaining the team, I would have laughed at you," he told the club's official website.

"None of this would ever have been possible if it wasn’t for my family, friends and teammates.

"It’s an incredibly humbling moment, and with that comes responsibility to ensure we proudly represent the people of Connacht, whether they are here in the actual province or in one of the four corners of the world – which we strive to do!

"I can’t wait to get back on the pitch again to lead in the best way possible, by performing.

"A special thanks to JB who I’ve learnt an incredible amount from the last few years and will continue to do so.

"I can’t wait to see everyone at the Sportsground, with our new surface, on the 7th of October.”

Earlier, the club also confirmed that Andy Friend has been promoted as the director of rugby while Peter Wilkins has been appointed the head coach ahead of the new season.