It’s been expected for some time, but it’s finally been confirmed today.
Connacht second row Mick Kearney will be playing in the blue of Leinster next season, after the province announced his signing this afternoon.
Kearney has been one of Connacht’s most impressive performers in a stand-out campaign from Pat Lam’s men, and departs the province after four years at the Sportsground.
The 24-year-old is originally from Dublin, and played representative rugby for the province at underage level. In 2014, he was give a first taste of International rugby as part of the Emerging Ireland squad in the IRB Nations Cup.
Kearney says that while he’s delighted to have secured a move back to Dublin, his sole focus at the moment ensuring Connacht’s position in next season’s Champions Cup.
“I am very happy to have signed on with Leinster for the coming season and I look forward to working hard to add to a proven winning environment and culture.
“Having said that I am very grateful to Connacht and all the staff and coaches over the years but in particular Eric Elwood, Dan McFarland and Pat Lam for the opportunities afforded to me since I made my debut in 2011. I am just focused now on finishing out the season with Connacht as best as I can and helping them to secure the top six position that I feel our efforts deserve.”
With Keaney’s signature confirmed, and the impending return of Johhny Sexton from France, Leinster coach Matt O’Connor says that the province will still be hoping to add some more new faces to the squad for next season, and those potential signings will be announced sooner rather than later.
“It is great to get this news out there. It’s been a busy few months behind the scenes. I think it shows our supporters how we want to drive Leinster Rugby next season and beyond and the four new lads added to the squad will have an impact of that there is no doubt. Importantly I think it also shows how much we value the blokes in the environment already and what they bring as a collective.
“We are still looking at other options and players that we can bring in and we hope to make an announcement with regard to one addition in the next week or so.”
