Conor Gilsenan joins Connacht for the rest of the season

Mullingar man Conor Gilsenan is trading the blue of Leinster for the green of Connacht, joining fellow Westmeath man Robbie Henshaw on the Westerners’ senior playing squad until at least the end of this season.

The Mullingar RFC and Clongowes Wood alumnus, who entered Leinster’s rugby academy nearly two and a half years ago, started training with Pat Lam’s charges yesterday (Monday morning), the Westmeath Examiner understands.

Gilsenan, a former Ireland U18, U19 and U20 international, captained Leinster 'A’ in their British and Irish Cup semi-final against Munster 'A’ last year, and was at the forefront of the province’s defeat of Newcastle Falcons in the decider last May.

In October, he was named Leinster 'A’ captain, as they began the defence of their British and Irish Cup crown.

The talented 21 year old back row player and UCD student, a son of Con and Joan Gilsenan, Mullingar, shot to prominence in 2011, when he captained Clongowes Wood College to a Leinster Schools Senior Cup win.