Roux in Ireland mix soon
Former Stormers lock Quinn Roux could soon be joining the growing list of South Africans that are available to Ireland.
Roux and Ultan Dillane on Wednesday confirmed that they have signed two-year contracts with Irish province Connacht, which will see them play at the Sportsground until at least 2017.
Roux arrived at Connacht during the Irish off-season on an initial four-month loan deal from Leinster – where he had played for two seasons, having joined from Western Province in 2012.
The loan deal with Connacht was recently extended to the end of the current season and Roux has now signed a new two-year contract to remain in Galway.
At Connacht the 196cm 120kg South African has played in 14 games, starting in all but one, and has been instrumental in the province's drive for a top six finish.
His decision to stay on means he becomes eligible for Ireland just after the World Cup – just like former South African Under-20 captain CJ Stander.
Stander, who captained the Baby Boks at the 2010 Junior World Cup, was called up to the Springboks training squad ahead of the inaugural Rugby Championship campaign in 2012.
However, he has made clear his ambition to wear the Emerald Green of Ireland.
Stander has had three successive Man of the Match performances for Munster in the Pro12.
Should Roux and Stander be called up by Ireland at the end of the year they will join a list of South Africans that includes Richardt Strauss, Robbie Diack and Rob Herring.
Strauss, who already has six Irish caps, plays for Leinster.
Diack, who has two caps, and Herring (one cap) both play for Ulster in the Pro12 and European Cup competitions.
* Following three years in the Connacht Academy, 21-year-old Ultan Dillane, who made his professional debut this season, will progress to a senior contract.
French-born Dillane moved to his mother's native Kerry when he was seven years old. He played his club rugby with Tralee RFC before attracting the attention of Connacht Academy manager Nigel Carolan.
Dillane represented Ireland at both Under-18 and Under-19 level.
"We're delighted to have secured the services of both Quinn [Roux] and Ultan [Dillane] for the coming seasons," Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said.
"Quinn is an example of a successful loan deal that worked for all parties concerned at the time and that has worked out very well. Everyone can see the contribution from Quinn on the pitch. He is a great fit for Connacht and we're delighted that he sees his future here with us.
"A huge part of our vision at Connacht is to build our squad depth as much as we can through our own systems and structures and Ultan coming through the Academy to a senior contract is an example of that.
"At this time of year, there are a number of talks ongoing with players and we hope to have more news on extended contracts in the coming days and weeks."
Coach Pat Lam also expressed his excitement of securing the services of the bruising South African second row forward.
"As a coaching team, we are very excited to have both Quinn and Ultan staying with Connacht for at least the next two years. They are both young, abrasive locks who have real physical presence. I believe with continued game time and exposure at this level, they have the potential to play for Ireland in the near future.
"Quinn is someone who has impressed us all massively since he came in during the off-season. His work ethic and desire to succeed on and off the field was apparent from day one. He has fit in extremely well with the rest of the squad and I know our supporters have really embraced him as well."
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