Connacht have confirmed the signing of Leinster prop Peter Dooley ahead of next season.
News of the 27-year-old's move west comes just days after making his 100th appearance for Leinster.
He reached the milestone in their facile United Rugby Championship win over Benetton.
Dooley made his Leinster debut in 2014, but has found opportunities hard to come by at various stages of his career.
He won the 2015 Young Player of the Year award with the province and has won international recognition, playing 18 times with the Ireland U-20s.
Dooley also earned a call-up to the senior setup for the 2021 Summer Series.
The Offaly native says the opportunity for more regular game time is one of the reasons for his decision.
🟢 𝙒𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝙋𝙀𝙏𝙀𝙍 🟢
We are very pleased to announce the signing of Leinster prop Peter Dooley 🙌
Welcome to Connacht Peter, glad to have you on board! 👊
Full story: https://t.co/JIa4jlkp5A pic.twitter.com/6HvhVibdBf— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 9, 2022
"It has been a time of reflection and assessing where and how I would like to progress in the coming seasons and I feel that in order to kick on, I need to be playing rugby regularly and hopefully I will get that opportunity with Connacht Rugby from next season," he commented.
"I am still highly motivated to do well and to improve as a player and having that opportunity to challenge for selection on a more consistent basis with Andy Friend is what I need and I look forward to putting my best foot forward.
"Playing for Leinster Rugby has been brilliant but you only get one chance to make the most of your career in sport, and this is my chance."
Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend welcomed news of Dooley's arrival.
“We’re really pleased that Peter has chosen to continue his career with Connacht.
"He has the type of profile we look for in a prop and comes with a wealth of experience as a Leinster centurion.
"His signing adds further depth at loosehead and will put us in a strong position heading into next season.”
Confirmation of the deal for Dooley comes after news of Jarrad Butler's contract extension.
