Tony Butler in action against the Dragons. Photograph: ©INPHO/Ben Brady
CLARE DUO Tony Butler and Ethan Coughlan have signed senior contracts with Munster Rugby and the IRFU.
In doing so, Tony and Ethan become the first Ennis RFC players to earn Munster senior contracts. The pair along with prop Mark Donnelly from Cork will be promoted from the academy to the senior squad this summer. The trio all made their debuts during the memorable December 2021 win over Wasps in the Champions Cup.
After impressing during their three years in the academy, Butler and Coughlan who are both aged 21 have been offered two-year contracts within the senior set-up.
Out-half Butler has made six senior appearances to date including two starts this season against Dragons and Connacht. The Barefield native now plays his AIL rugby with Young Munster having moved to Garryowen from Ennis RFC. He won a Grand Slam with the Irish U20s in 2022.
At underage level, the St Flannan’s College past pupil captained Ennis RFC, he partnered Coughlan in the half-backs when Ennis claimed silverware at U16 and U18 club competitions in the province. He was a wing back on the Clare minor hurlers for two seasons and won a Dr Harty Cup with St Flannan’s in 2020.
Since joining the academy, Ethan has made eight senior appearances with three starts this season. The Rice College past pupil was captain of the Ireland U18 clubs team in 2019 under Head Coach Fiach O’Loughlin and also claimed a Grand Slam medal in 2022 with the Irish U20 team. At the age of 19, he was included in the Ireland U20s talent camp. The Barefield man is playing his club AIL rugby with Shannon.
Prior to switching his focus entirely to rugby, Ethan was a talented footballer with St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, he delivered a man of the match display when The Parish were crowned U16 Division 1 champions in 2018.
