Now with the transfer deadline day over and done with, clubs will now focus on contract renewals.

Chelsea has been quick to keep their stars at the club with defender Andreas Christensen very close to a new contract so far.

The London club’s main worry is their German center-back Antonio Rudiger. The 28-year-old has already rejected a previous contract offer due to it falling ‘well short of expectations.’

The 6’2” German was integral to the club’s achievements last season and some of Europe’s biggest teams will be keeping tabs on this ongoing situation.

Teams such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and PSG have already shown interest in the defender. In England, Tottenham Hotspur were looking to buy the player before but that deal will likely never happen.

Chelsea are waiting on Antonio Rudiger’s contract decision as he weighs up his options before committing to an extended stay at Stamford Bridge.

It is understood the player wants to look at options ahead of next summer.

– @DeanJonesSoccer pic.twitter.com/NBfhnQ03NP

— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) September 7, 2021

The Blues are just off one of their most successful seasons in recent history after beating Manchester City for the Champions League title. A major reason for that success was because of manager Thomas Tuchel’s trust in his defense.

Rudiger has become a fan favorite since joining the club from Roma in 2017. Last year he made 19 starts and scored a goal, mainly after the arrival of the new boss.

He has also become the new mainstay in his national team after playing in their four Euro 2020 matches this summer.

This year he started in Chelsea’s opening three wins as well as their Super Cup triumph as he begins the season on a perfect run.

With many more good years ahead of him, the Blues will be fools to not lock down his signature. With other European giants sniffing around they will want to hurry up.

Need to see more of this from Rudiger this season man pic.twitter.com/crQXKdkKV8

— stad. (@ftblstad) September 6, 2021

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Niall Murray as you all may know is a player familiar to SportsNewsIreland. Murray has come through the grassroots at Connacht. He played with Buccaneers. Moreover, he made his debut in December at lock, when coming on as a substitute in the Heineken CUp against Gloucester. He has played at U20 international level for Ireland at the World Cup in 2019 and in the Six Nations.

Prop Jordan Duggan has also played at U19 and U20 international level for Ireland. He played at the U20 World Cup with his team mates Paul Boyle, Conor Dean, Oisin Dowling and Sean Masterson. Another player who has signed a contract is Colm Reilly. Colm has represented both Ballinasloe and won a Connacht Schools Cup with the famed Garbally College. He scored the winning Grand Slam try for the U20’s in 2019 against Wales to clinch the Six Nations title.

Sean Masterson, is the younger brother of current Connacht player Eoghan. He has experience of playing with the side already. He made his debut in the back row against Italian side Treviso, incidentally replacing his brother Eoghan. Conor Dean plays at out-half has also been capped by the province. He played in the final game of the 2018/19 season which was against Munster. He has also played for the Connacht Eagles side in the Celtic Cup.

Peter Sullivan is the least experienced of all the players to sign a contract, however he is a quality player . He joined the Connacht academy last season and has obviously impressed Andy Friend to warrant a professional contract. In addition, he played a big part in the Connacht Eagles side in the 2019/20 season. Speaking to the Connacht Rugby website, current head coach Andy Friend said, “We are delighted to confirm today’s news as we build for the future. I am a firm believer that a club’s lifeline is its Academy structure, and this exciting group of young players proves that the Connacht Academy is extremely healthy, and will continue to have a positive impact on our squad going forward”.

Eric Elwood, former Connacht player and current academy manager said, “I would like to congratulate the six players on their first professional contracts and joining up with the pro squad for next season. It has been a pleasure to watch the players develop and grow over the years and we wish them well on the next step of their journey in their rugby careers”. 

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Andrew Conway has signed a three year deal which will now see him at the club till at least July 2023. Conway has been super for the province since arriving from Leinster. He has made 142 appearances and has played on the wing and in the full back position. At 28 years of age he is third in the Munster roll of honour in terms of  top try scorers. He has scored 43 tries since making his debut against Zebre 7 years ago. Moreover, at International level Conway scored three tries in the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

Billy Holland has also put pen to paper on a new deal. Holland has signed a one year contract extension. The 34 year old has made 226 appearances for the club. Holland has been a stalwart for the club and is in his 13th season. He has made a super start to the season for the Red Army, starting in 12 out of 14 games.

Furthermore, Jeremy Loughman who plays as prop with the club has also signed a new contract. He has signed a two year deal. This will keep him at Thomond Park till June 2022. The 24 year old Kildare man made his debut in 2018 and has gone on to make 36 appearances for the province. He was selected as man of the match on debut against Ospreys in the Champions Cup.

Head coach Johann Van Graan was delighted with the news that the trio of players signed contracts. Commenting on this he said, “Retaining the services of Andrew, Billy and Jeremy is again great news for Munster Rugby and for our plans for the future”. He continued, “They are a quality trio, that all add huge value to our squad with their own individual skills and experience”.

Munster take on Zebre this Friday at 7.35pm at the Stade Giovanni Mari.

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