Sean O’Brien and Peter Robb offered senior Connacht contracts

Connacht have announced academy duo Sean O'Brien and Peter Robb are to be handed senior contracts for the 2016/17 season.

The 21-year-olds both made their debuts for the province in last November's Challenge Cup win over Enisei-STM in Siberia, and have both features subsequently as coach Pat Lam has looked to deal with an injury crisis.

Like his Ireland international namesake, Galway born O’Brien can play across the backrow as well as at lock, while Robb has partnered Bundee Aki in the Connacht midfield.

On the announcement Lam said: “So far this season, 45 players have played for us and a good few of them have been young Academy players like Sean and Peter who have made their step up to the senior team for the first time.

“They have trained well with us and grabbed the opportunity with both hands when it came. Playing your first game for Connacht in -27 degrees in Siberia was always going to be testing but like all the Academy players training with us they were well integrated in the team and felt comfortable in the systems.

“They both have a lot of potential as young Irish players and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with them again next season.”