Kieran Marmion thanked the people of Connacht for the welcome has has always received in his years with the province as news of his departure was announced.
The club confirmed this week that Marmion will be departing Connacht when his contract expires at the end of this season, after 11 years at the Sportsground.
The scrum-half is one of the all-time record holders at Connacht, with his 224 appearances over 11 seasons the third most ever after John Muldoon and Michael Swift.
“It’s been a really tough decision for me to leave Connacht Rugby. I can’t thank the club enough for the opportunity that they have given me.”
“I’d also like to thank the coaches that I’ve worked with over the years, the many players I’ve played alongside, and the fans for their dedicated support and passion throughout my time here.”
“I cannot express how much it means to us players when you show up week in, week out to support us.”
“The people of Connacht have been so welcoming to me ever since I moved over and I’ve been honoured to call the place home for the past 12 years.”
“While my time at the club has come to an end I am excited about the next chapter of my career. I will always look back on my time with Connacht Rugby with huge pride and I wish the club continued success both on and off the field.”
The 31 year old will be making the move to Bristol Bears this summer after a triumphant run with both Connacht, and as an Irish International.
He started at scrum-half on Connacht’s greatest day – the 2016 PRO12 Grand Final win – and has played a key role across many other milestones for the province.
His performances for Connacht also led to him becoming a regular feature for Ireland, winning 28 caps across six seasons.
Arguably his greatest day for the national team came in November 2018 when he was the starting scrum-half for Ireland’s first ever home win over the All Blacks.
Andy Friend said that they were keen for Kieran to stay with Connacht, but understand that he wants to seek new challenges.
“We are obviously very disappointed to see him go, but we fully appreciate that he has to do what he feels is right for him and his career over the next few years.”
“He will rightly go down as one of the all-time great players for this province and on behalf of the club I want to thank him for his brilliant service to Connacht for over 10 years.”
“The club will make sure he and our departing players get a deserved send-off at the end of the season, but until then we look forward to Kieran playing a big part in helping the province work towards a successful season both in the URC and Challenge Cup.”
