Connacht scrumhalf Kieran Marmion has signed a two year contract extension that will keep him at the Irish province until the summer of 2016.

The 21-year-old was fast-tracked from year one of the Connacht Academy last season, after earning his first cap and start for the province against Cardiff Blues in the opening round of the RaboDirect PRO12. He went on to start every game of the 2012/13 season and was the sole Connacht squad member and only player in the league to do so.

Now with 36 caps beside his name, Marmion hasn’t missed a game for Connacht since his debut 14 months ago. He’s scored three tries to day this season against the Ospreys, Saracens and Leinster.

Born in Brecon, Wales but with family hailing from Loughrea, Co. Galway, Marmion has been capped at U-18, U-19 and U-20 level for Ireland and was named this year in the Ireland Squad for the summer tour of North America.

Connacht coach Pat Lam said: “I’m delighted for Kieran and for Connacht rugby that we have this new deal. Kieran is a fantastic player and a key member of our squad and it’s a real boost that he sees his continued development and future with the club he started his professional career with.

“From day one, Kieran has impressed me with his attitude, work ethic and incredible maturity and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve great things within Connacht and Irish rugby.”