John Porch has signed a two year contract extension with Connacht - opening the door to potentially becoming an Ireland international down the line.
Australian Porch, 28, has played for his country at Sevens level but recently admitted that if he remains with Connacht he may explore the possibility of playing for Ireland under the residency rule.
The back three star joined the westerners in 2019 and has scored 17 tries in 72 appearances, the most recent coming with a spectacular catch in the Challenge Cup victory over Brive at the Sportsground last Saturday.
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His decision to stay, having been linked with a move away from the province, is a massive boost.
"I’m really pleased to agree a contract extension with Connacht," said Porch.
"I know there was some speculation about my future but I’ve decided I want to help this club go from strength to strength.
"I’m enjoying life in the west of Ireland and there are some really exciting plans for the future that I want to be a part of."
Director of Rugby Andy Friend reacted: "Porchy has every attribute you look for in a back three player, so securing his services is a brilliant bit of news for the club.
"I know it was a very big decision for he and his wife, and it shows John's affection for Connacht and willingness to help the club to continue to grow over the next few years."
Speaking late last month, Porch explained his situation after failing to make the Wallabies' Autumn internationals squad.
He represented Australia's Sevens team for four years before joining Connacht and he hoped that his performances for the province would lead to Wallabies recognition in 2022, but it was not to be as Dave Rennie looked elsewhere.
"I did set a goal at the start of the year," Porch revealed. "I was hoping to end up with the Wallabies in the autumn internationals but that didn’t transpire.
"But I’m always trying to put my best foot forward and hopefully that will lead to something down the line.
"But if it doesn’t, those things happen, just as long as I’m playing good, consistent rugby here with Connacht I’m happy in that."
Rennie has now been replaced by Eddie Jones, and Porch will redouble his efforts in this World Cup year.
However he admitted in December that playing for Ireland was not off the agenda.
World Rugby's residency rule has gone from three years to five, so Porch would have to wait until 2024 to play for Ireland if he decided to take that route.
"I haven’t really looked into that, to be honest," he said.
"At the moment I’m here until the end of this season and who knows what I’m doing after. But if I am staying that is something I will look into, get down that track.
"I don’t really understand those residency rules. If I have to cross that bridge I will fully understand that when I get to it."
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