Where are you from? Stevie Mannion

I’m originally from Ballinasloe.

When did you start playing rugby?

I played minis and underage with Ballinasloe as well as schools rugby with Garbally College. We won two Connacht Schools Senior Cups with Garbally, the most memorable probably when we beat the Jes when I was in 5th year. And I also won an U18.5 Connacht Cup in my final game for Ballinasloe.

Senior Career to Date

After school I moved to Buccaneers to play U20s and AIL. I played 1 season in division 2A and two seasons in division 1B.

Joining Wegians

I just started training with the club back in July, and I’ve been enjoying every minute of it.

I knew a handful of the lads before I joined just from playing against them all the way up, and it’s been very easy to get to know everyone else in the club.

Connacht Senior League Reflections?

I think the Connacht League went well overall, two close games against Sligo and Corinthians. We probably should have won both but we missed out by a couple points. Everything came together for the Buccaneers game and that’s given us a lot of confidence going into the AIL.

Your Position

I normally play 12. In the Connacht Senior League for Wegians, I started at 12 against Corinthians and Buccs, and played at 10 against Sligo. 12 would be my regular position and it would be my favourite too.

Thoughts on the AIL?

I’m really looking forward to getting into the AIL now, and hopefully we can carry on the success the club had last year.