The Ospreys today confirmed that they have signed former Ireland Under-20 lock Conor McInerney from Leinster
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The 22 year-old second row will meet up with his new teammates when they report back for pre-season training at the Ospreys Llandarcy HQ at the end of June.
A former captain of his country at age grade level, McInerney was a member of Ireland's U20 Grand Slam winning side in 2007, making the starting line-up in all five matches. Standing 1.93m tall and weighing in at 104kg, he is also capable of playing in the back row.
Speaking after signing, McInerney said:
"I'm really excited about signing for the Ospreys and being part of what they are trying to build. I can't wait to join up with the squad for the first time next month, the Ospreys are an ambitious organisation with first class facilities, a talented squad and good coaches so it was an easy decision to make. I realise that the competition for places there is intense, with British Lions and Welsh internationals in the second row, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge of establishing myself at the Ospreys over the coming years."
Ospreys Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore added:
"We are extremely pleased to have secured Conor's services. Our expanding scouting network has identified him as an outstanding medium-term prospect with the desire and characteristics to be an Osprey. He is a robust, hard nosed and uncompromising player with excellent line-out ability and we have the confidence that with the improvements we have made to our player development programme we can help him use his natural ability to become a world class lock. He wants to be successful and has excellent leadership qualities that will enhance the Ospreys environment. We are looking forward to welcoming him into our set-up next month."
Conor McInerney is the Ospreys third new signing ahead of next season, following on from former All Black Jerry Collins and Tom Issacs.