Paul Boyle has signed a one year deal to remain with Connacht Rugby.
The back row has made 84 appearances since his debut just over four years ago, and has scored 20 tries. He moved from Leinster's sub academy to Connacht's academy in 2018.
Boyle, 26, has one Ireland cap, having come off the bench against the USA in the 2021 summer series at the Aviva Stadium.
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"Paul is an established and important member of our back row, and I’m delighted he is extending his contract at Connacht," said Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins.
"We’ve seen him hit the heights of becoming an Irish international and I have no doubt he can get to that stage again.
"He’s a very popular member of the dressing room, providing on-field and off-field leadership.
"Paul’s continued great work in the community also demonstrates that he understands the broader values of the club and the impact we can all have across the province."
Boyle said: "Connacht has been my home for years now and the place means a lot to me.
"I’ve loved working with the current coaching team and I’m also excited by what’s in store next season. My focus now is to help the club have a really big end to the season and then kick on again next year."
Meanwhile, the province hope to have Ireland tighthead Finlay Bealham back before the end of the season after he twisted his knee in the Six Nations victory over Italy.
Bealham started the opening three games of this year's championship and so played an important role in Ireland's Grand Slam success. Connacht hope to have him back training in three weeks' time.
The westerners are still chasing a place in the URC knock-out stages but are likely to be without out-half Jack Carty in Saturday's big Sportsground clash with Edinburgh, with David Hawkshaw set to continue at no 10.
It is expected that Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki, who were also important members of Ireland's Six Nations success, will be available for next week's Challenge Cup knock-out encounter with Benetton.
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