Connacht prop Finlay Bealham has committed to the Pro 12 Champions until 2019.
The Australian-born prop made his Ireland debut during the Six Nations and featured on the tour to South Africa in June. He has two Ireland caps to his name.
Bealham originally moved to Ireland to join Ulster in 2010, but moved to Connacht the following year. He progressed through the side's academy and made his first-team debut in 2014.
Last season, Bealham was instrumental in Connacht's Pro12 campaign and was named in the Dream Team of the Season.
"I'm very pleased for us and our supporters that he will be with us for the next three seasons", Pat Lam admitted after Bealham's announcement. "From day one, I've been impressed with Finlay's attitude and desire to continuously learn on and off the pitch. He is a real team man and extremely popular among our squad."
"As a young, versatile front row player, he has a lot to offer our team as we head into another challenging but exciting campaign in both the Guinness Pro12 and European Champions Cup."
The prop said the move to sign an extension with Connacht was an easy one.
"This place has become home for me over the last five years and I'm loving my rugby here. It's been a great few years, with last season an obvious stand out. Pulling on the Ireland jersey in the same season as winning the Guinness Pro12 with my team mates will live long in the memory."
"I can't wait to get back into it now in a few weeks' time and I'm confident we can go on to achieve more and more as a team."
Connacht begin their Pro12 defence against Glasgow Warriors on September 9th.
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