LEINSTER HAVE THIS afternoon announced their academy panel for the 2016/17 season.

Eight of Ireland’s U20 World Championship squad have been rewarded with a place in the province’s academy.

Captain James Ryan is joined on the year one roster by team-mates Will Connors, Max Deegan, Hugo Keenan, Conor O’Brien, Jimmy O’Brien, Andrew Porter and Jack Power.

“It is great to welcome into the academy all of our year one recruits,” Leinster academy manager, Peter Smyth, said.

“They have all made significant contributions to the successful Ireland U20s Six Nations and World Championship campaigns. Along with our year two and three players we look forward to continuing their development as professional players during the season ahead.”

The eastern province have also confirmed the players who graduated from the programme last season with six of those staying at the club.

Adam Byrne, Peter Dooley, Ross Molony and Garry Ringrose all enjoyed breakthrough seasons under Leo Cullen and have since signed senior contracts with Leinster.

Billy Dardis and Ireland sevens captain Tom Daly are the other two players to remain at the RDS.

Tom Daly, Adam Byrne and Garry Ringrose all graduated this year. Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

Tom Farrell and Cian Kelleher have, however, moved on by signing for Bedford and Connacht respectively while Harrison Brewer and Steven Crosbie are exploring options elsewhere

“A number of players graduating from the Academy have secured professional contracts for the upcoming season with Leinster and elsewhere,” Smyth continued.

“Congratulations to every single player and also to the staff who assisted with their development and we wish them all the very best of luck for the future.”