Paul Boyle (born 14 January 1997) is an Irish rugby union player for Pro14 and European Rugby Challenge Cup side Connacht. He can play across the back-row.
| Date of birth | 14 January 1997 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 107 kg (16.8 st; 236 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | NUIG | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Early life
editBoyle was born in Dublin South.
He first began playing rugby at age 7 with Gorey RFC.[1]
Boyle came through the underage ranks for Leinster and was a member of their sub-academy, whilst also playing club rugby with Lansdowne in the All-Ireland League, but was never offered a place in Leinster’s full academy.
Professional
editBoyle joined Connacht's academy ahead of the 2017–18 season. He made his senior Connacht debut in January 2018 against provincial rivals Munster.[2] Boyle's performances for Connacht during the early months of the 2018–19 season saw him rewarded with his first professional contract with the province, which led to him graduating from year two of the academy and join the senior squad until at least June 2021.[3]
Ireland
editBoyle captained Ireland under-20s at the 2017 World Rugby Under 20 Championship, where they finished ninth overall.[2] In June 2021 he was called up to the senior Ireland squad for the Summer tests.[4] Boyle made his debut off the bench for the Ireland senior side, in a 71–10 victory over the United States on 10 July 2021.[5]
References
edit- ^ "Hotshot: Connacht back-row Paul Boyle". Rugby World. 29 August 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
- ^ a b "'The sky's the limit for that one' - Wexford man Paul Boyle shines for Connacht". The42. 8 September 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
- ^ "Wexford man Boyle secures first professional contract with Connacht". The42. 21 November 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
- ^ "Ireland Squad Confirmed For Vodafone Summer Series". Irish Rugby. 14 June 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
- ^ "Baloucoune wonder try sparks Ireland to life as they put 71 points on USA". the42. 10 July 2021. Retrieved 10 July 2021.