Connacht look to sign Sam Prendergast on loan from Leinster

Outhalf depth an issue for Connacht after JJ Hanrahan suffered an ACL injury last month

Connacht have made enquiries about signing Sam Prendergast on loan for next season but with Leinster reluctant to acquiesce a decision now rests with the IRFU and the player.

Prendergast’s older brother Cian is an established part of the Connacht backrow and the western province are need of replenishment at outhalf in light of JJ Hanrahan being ruled out indefinitely after suffering an ACL injury in their win over the Dragons last month. The 31-year-old will now undergo surgery and is likely to miss a significant chunk of next season.

A star turn on last season’s Ireland Under-20 team which won the Grand Slam and reached the Junior World Cup final, the 21-year-old Prendergast was named in the Leinster Academy before earning a senior contract ahead of this season. Prendergast has accumulated 14 appearances for the province this campaign, including three starts.

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley

Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times