He previously played with Shannon and Munster Rugby, where he had progressed through their academy to a development contract.
Cronin's rugby career began to take off while playing in the All-Ireland League for Shannon.
Before becoming a professional rugby player, Cronin played minor Gaelic football with Limerick in 2004.
Outings for Ireland A and two Celtic League appearances for his home province of Munster saw Cronin attract the attention of Connacht who offered him a full contract in the summer of 2008.
[4] While a mainstay of the Irish team for several years, Cronin started in only 10 of his 72 tests for Ireland.