Ballina Rugby Club's Harry West and Fiachna Barrett have been selected for this season's Connacht Rugby Academy. The two U20 Grand-Slam winners are part of a 15-player squad of exciting young men assembled in The Sportsground.
Fiachna is one of five Year 1 additions, alongside another Irish U20 James Nicholson.
Also joining the Year 1 ranks are centre Finn Treacy, hooker Matthew Victory and out-half Sean Naughton.
Harry moves up to Year 2 alongside two Irish colleagues Hugh Gavin from Salthill and John Devine from Ballinasloe.
Joining them in Year 2 are Chay Mullins, Daniel Hawkshaw, Matthew Devine, Oisin Michel and Shane Mallon.
Completing the squad so far are Year 3 players, prop Charlie Ward and winger Josh O’Connor.

Further players may be added as the season progresses.

Eric Elwood Connacht Rugby academy manager said:
“On behalf of Connacht Rugby I would like to congratulate and welcome our new Year 1 academy players.
“We are all very much looking forward to working with them and I have no doubt they will add great value to the group.”