CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that lock Quinn Roux will remain at the province until the end of the 2014/15 season at least.

The 24-year-old South African joined Pat Lam’s squad at the start of the current campaign on a loan deal from Leinster and has been in impressive form ever since.

Roux signed for Leinster from Super Rugby’s Stormers on a one-year deal in 2012, extending that contract for another two years in 2013. Opportunities at Leinster proved limited, however, and Lam pounced to secure the second row on loan terms.

Roux has gone on to start 12 games for Connacht this season, demonstrating the aggression, ball-carrying ability and set-piece grunt that had originally convinced Leinster to lure the lock to Ireland.

“We are pleased to say we have extended Quinn Roux’s deal until the end of the season which is great,” said Connacht head coach Lam of the extension.

It remains to be seen whether Connacht will look to sign Roux beyond this season on a permanent deal, but his performances in this campaign suggest that is a strong possibility.

Meanwhile, Connacht are hopeful that out-half Craig Ronaldson will be available for Friday evening’s Guinness Pro12 clash with Edinburgh at the Sportsground.

The former Lansdowne man is following return-to-play protocols after suffering concussion against Munster on New Year’s Day, and has not yet been ruled out of this weekend’s fixture.

Ronaldson was impressive during Connacht’s win over Munster. Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Tom McCartney and Aly Muldowney missed Connacht training yesterday with a stomach bug and chest infection respectively, but the hooker and lock are both expected to be available against Edinburgh.