It wasn't the best of festive seasons for Pat Lam's Connacht side.
Losses in the inter-pros to Ulster and Leinster marked a disappointing end to what had been an incredible 2015.
But the new year has started off well for at least two of the provinces youngest stars with news that they will be moving to full time senior contracts from next season.
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Sean O'Brien and Peter Robb have both played for the Ireland U20 side and featured for Connacht in the infamous Challenge Cup game in Siberia back in November.
Back row O'Brien has proven himself to be a versatile addition to Lam's squad, especially during the club's torrid injury crisis, and is a former Ireland U19 captain who has played seven times this season, including in the historic win over Munster.
21-year-old centre Robb made his European debut playing in midfield alongside Bundee Aki in the Challenge Cup clash away to Enisei-STM when he started in midfield.
He's featured three times in the PRO12 as well having impressed for various Irish underage teams over the last number of years including the Ireland Under-20’s in the 2014 6 Nations campaign.
The contracts will be good news for locals in Galway as well as Irish rugby fans who will be hoping to see the continued development of the Irishmen in a domestic setting.
