Dave McSharry has committed to Connacht until 2017.

The 24-year-old centre has signed a new deal with the IRFU that will keep him at the Sportsground for another two years.

 McSharry joined Connacht in 2011 and the former Templeogue schoolboy has played in 14 games this season, bringing his total Connacht tally to 58 senior caps.

The Dubliner said: “I've been here four years now and it's very much home for me. A lot has changed since 2011 when I first came in but without a doubt we've been building bit by bit and getting closer and closer to achieving great things.”

McSharry also earned an Ireland 'A' cap in 2013 and received a call up to the Ireland Six Nations training squad but injury restricted his international progress.

" He is an integral member of our team and someone we have a lot of confidence in,” said head coach Pat Lam. “The fact that Robbie (Henshaw) is likely to be away with Ireland leading up to a World Cup year, and with the recent injury to Bundee (Aki), it just highlights the importance of having quality experienced players across the squad.”