By:
Conor Martin
Connacht Rugby have confirmed that three Academy standouts, Fiachna Barrett, Seán Naughton and Matthew Victory have earned their first professional contracts for the 2026/27 season.
It’s a welcome boost as the province prepares for the trip to Italy to play Zebre and a clear sign the province’s pathway is firing, and the western province is ready to reward the young talent making waves in the pro setup.
Fiachna Barrett: The new anchor in the Westerners’ scrum
A native of Geesala, County Mayo, Barrett is a powerful tighthead prop who has spent the past 18 months getting valuable exposure to the pro environment. He made his senior bow against Zebre in the Challenge Cup in December 2024 and has added six more bench appearances this season. Barrett brings the kind of physical presence and scrummaging stability that every coach dreams of, and he looks destined to become a mainstay in the front row.
https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/2017251494534270994
Seán Naughton: Connacht’s versatile threat
Naughton, who also debuted against Zebre, has been one of the standout Year 3 Academy players. He’s impressed with his composure and adaptability, featuring in Connacht’s opening six games this season. Naughton has already crossed for two tries from full-back and has provided crucial depth at out-half. In a modern game where versatility is king, he’s a player who can make an impact in multiple positions and has that rare instinct for big moments.
https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/2017236564586172824
Matthew Victory: Hooker with serious potential
Victory, 22, joined the Academy in 2023 and has steadily progressed through the pathway. He made his senior debut off the bench against Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup earlier this month and has shown the physicality and technical edge needed to develop in a demanding position.
https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/2017266772341059985
After the news of the three exciting prospects turning professional, Connacht Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “I’m a firm believer in integration between the Professional and Academy setups, and in Fiachna, Seán and Matthew, we have three players who are richly deserving of joining the senior setup from next season. There’s a huge amount of potential in Connacht’s younger players and the three lads in particular have always impressed in training and never looked out of place in the wider senior squad.
“I know they’ll have benefited hugely from their exposure to some matchday squads in this campaign, and that will stand to them when they take the next step next season.”
This trio of signings is more than a feel-good story for Connacht; it’s a statement. The academy is producing players ready to compete at the highest level, and Connacht are prepared to back them to deliver and one thing for sure is certain, the future is bright in the west.
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