Sean Cronin's 2011 has got off to a flying start as he has agreed to join Heineken cup side Leinster a matter of weeks after being named in the Ireland squad.

The 24 year old had previously played for Munster before joining Connaught in 2008.

The hooker has featured 7 times for Ireland and made his debut in 2009 in the same game as his future provincial teammates Johnny Sexton and Sean O'Brien.

Leinster were looking for a new hooker after John Fogarty was forced to retire due to concussions this season. Leinster are lucky to have got a young and talented Irish player who will likely start for the province once he joins them in the summer.

Cronin will now get to feature in the Heineken Cup and has already expressed his excitement at the move, "I believe that with the exciting players in the squad, the future looks bright...The province's ambitions mirror my own."


Cronin has reiterated his full commitment to Connaught for the remaining time that he wears the green jersey, "I will do my utmost to help improve our Magners League standing over the coming months."


Leinster coach Joe Schmidt was obviously shares Cronin's excitement as he likes the youngster's mix of experience and youth, "It's great that Sean has confirmed that he will join us in the summer. He is a dynamic and talented front rower who will add experience at hooker."




Leinster and Ulster to face English opposition
Leinster will host Leicester in the quarter final of the Heineken cup on the weekend of the 8th-10th of April.

Should they win that game they will host the winners of Biarritz/Toulouse in the semi finals.

Ulster could also host a home semi final if they manage to get past Northampton at Raven Hill in the quarter final.

Perpignon/Toulon will be waiting in that semi final.