Happy Ending As Ireland U-20 Star Kelvin Brown Signs His First Professional Contract

Back in July, we told you the story of Ireland U-20 back-row Kelvin Brown.

Brown had just finished having an outstanding U20 World Cup with Ireland, albeit coming off the bench behind the player of the tournament Max Deegan. He had been released from Munster's sub-academy, had a contract fall through with an English club and had the French federation scupper a move to Grenoble.

It highlighted the difficult transition that all talented U20 players go through as they try to make it in the pros.

But now there is some good news. Brown never gave up trying to get a contract. He, and his manager Pat Brown kept contacting clubs - trying to get the Shannon back-row a professional deal.

At the same time, Buccaneers scrumhalf David Connellan, who played in France with Aurillac from 2008-10 saw the article on balls.ie, and realised Brown didn't have a contract yet. Connellan put Brown in touch with Aurillac head coach - ex-Ulster and Lions lock Jeremy Davidson. Davidson had been impressed with Brown at the World Cup, and thought that he had been snapped up already.

Now he has, Brown has agreed a contact with Pro D2 Aurillac for next season, with an option for a further two years.

Another talented Irish player is kept in the game, and for that we should all be happy.

See Also: Another Talented Ireland U20 World Cup Finalist Doesn't Get A Contract, Highlighting The Difficulty Of Making It To The Pros

Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE