Ger C wrote: With the recent signings im starting to hope that the IRFU are starting to back Connacht.

I may be reading too much into the comments about imparting knowledge to the young iq backs but perhaps they realise that there are some quality players that need to be helped to develop.

There must be something special about pat's style if he can attract such players to the sportsground.

I think you'll find its more in the mentorship role then actually playing. Its great for the younger players. You'll hear the usual choice comments from the uneducated in the other provinces but the reality this is great for the likes of Henshaw, Leader and Marmion. They'd like to have the option at least you can bet your life on it.

I don't expect he'll play all that much. Now if only we can find a big bruiser of a backrow.

All our recent sh signings seem to credit Pat and the Connacht lifestyle with their decision to move.

Exciting stuff!!

With the recent signings im starting to hope that the IRFU are starting to back Connacht.

I may be reading too much into the comments about imparting knowledge to the young iq backs but perhaps they realise that there are some quality players that need to be helped to develop.

There must be something special about pat's style if he can attract such players to the sportsground.

menacethedenis wrote: Lam out.

now where is that old thread?

The cowbells are overdue at this stage. Huge signing, there can't be any more questions about leadership next season. I actually felt we were a little light at fullback but not now, and what he could add to toh and leaders game at 15 could be career changing.

Lam out.

Wow

Mils signs on 1 year contract

:silly: :silly: :silly: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

Centurion Muliaina to become Connacht's first All Black

05th May 2014

Connacht Rugby has captured a major overseas signing for the 2014/15 season. Mils Muliaina has signed a one-year IRFU contract to become the first ever All Black to play with the Irish province at the Sportsground.

Samoan-born Muliaina, who is currently in his second stint with the Waikato based Chiefs, will link up with Head Coach Pat Lam whom he played under at Auckland from 2004 -2005 and with the Asia Pacific Barbarians in 2012. The 33-year-old has been signed as a player-mentor where his invaluable experience will assist in the development of the young Irish talent at the club.

The New Zealand fullback became the second All Black (after Richie McCaw) to reach 100 caps when he ran out against Argentina in the quarter final of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, eight years after his 2003 test debut against England. Muliaina was forced off at half time with a fractured shoulder that led to his retirement from international rugby but he did go on to claim his gold medal after the All Blacks won the trophy, beating France 8 – 7 in the final.
Commenting on the historic signing, Head Coach Pat Lam said:

“I don’t think I need to point out how huge it is to have Mils Muliaina as our first All Black coming to represent Connacht. The second ever All Black and the first ever back to reach 100 test matches is some achievement but what’s incredible about Mils is the passion and professionalism he brings whenever he plays and I know he will bring that in the Connacht jersey. At the age of 33, he still has that hunger to play competitive rugby and before his surgery last month, he showed his quality and ability to keep playing at the top level in Super Rugby. It’s exciting to announce that we’ll have him on our team next season.

“One of our main priorities as we began recruitment for next season was to bring in a quality, experienced back to help nurture and mentor our young Irish qualified backs on and off the field. With the Rugby World Cup only a year away we also wanted someone who could help prepare and guide Connacht’s current international Robbie Henshaw. Mils’ playing experience and knowledge as a fullback, centre and wing who has played in three Rugby World Cups including winning one, will be massive for Robbie and all our backs.”

“I’ve known Mils for some time now and as well as the wealth of knowledge and experience he will bring to the team, he is first and foremost a great team man and a leader who will contribute enormously to our Connacht culture and help move us closer to our vision.”
Speaking from New Zealand, Muliaina added:

“This is an exciting time for me, making the move to Connacht Rugby. I’ve obviously had a good chat with some of the boys at the club – Nathan (White) and Clarkey – and they’ve told me a good bit about the place. But I’ve learnt a lot about what to expect from my discussions with Pat (Lam). Myself and Pat have a very good working relationship. As well as Auckland, he coached the AP Barbarians team in June 2012 and I think the fact that I was still in decent shape after all those years surprised him.

“I have a good understanding about my role and what is expected of me at Connacht. I’ve heard a lot about the talented young backs at the club – guys like Robbie Henshaw – and I’m keen to help anywhere I can, both on and off the field. Being able to play some competitive football while also sharing my knowledge and helping Connacht to achieve their vision played a big part in my decision to move. I expect to learn a good bit from these young guys too and that’s exciting.

“Moving to the other side of the world is a challenge but one that I’m really looking forward to. My experiences of playing in Ireland have been memorable and the one thing that stands out to me is the people. They are passionate people who really love their rugby. I’ve been to Dublin and Limerick with the All Blacks and from what I hear about Galway, it’s one of the best cities in Ireland. I can’t wait to get over there.

“Right now I’m fully focused on my recovery and getting myself ready to hit the ground running when I arrive in Ireland.”

Mils Muliaina is expected to arrive in Galway at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.

Omg we signed mils muliaina. We actually signed him
How
Omg its unreal.
How
We really are going places
I'm actually have some water in my eyes
Exciting

There's a rumour going around that a province is in talks with an NZ U20 centre to come play next year. Anyone hear anything? Could be Michael Collins by the sounds on it but what province is the question. (If the rumour is true.)

www.orfu.co.nz/otago-team/player-profile...michael-collins.aspx

In case anyone missed this here is an article by Adrian Flavin on Connacht's transfers. Always interesting to hear a former players perspective (except George Hook and Neil Francis).

www.news.msn.ie/connacht-rugby-pat-lam-1446295-May2014/

Our boy Bundee scored this morning for chiefs..

So the maths might be a bit off but it seems right now Perpignan are relegated, and James Hook's contract is up this season. He's 29, a grand slam winner(?) I think if Connacht signed him he would probably be the biggest signing ever? I'm not a huge fan of him but could be worth looking into at the right price. He might want to move back to Wales but he's out of favour with Gatland so may look elsewhere. I suppose there will be a few English and French clubs also looking at him.

Haven't seen him play but heard an interview with him on off the ball and he seemed very grounded. Crfu helped him get his place in France.

Jackman said some very nice things about him, more than just the usual and used him as an example of how a player who did not get into a province should consider moving to develop.

I remember thinking that I would hear of him again and am pleasantly surprised to see he is coming to Connacht

Really in terms of a backup scrum half, its always going to be difficult. Its not a spot you want to waste a NIQ player on and looking around it wouldn't be attractive to too many more. Hopefully he's up for the fight.

O'Leary is a calculated punt and on a one year deal is a low risk signing. He had a go by going abroad for a year and he could be a good signing. Really he's a replacement for Brian Murphy, that's how you have to look at it.

Don't know enough about either of them to make any judgements but hopefully they can do a job if and when they are called upon.

Assuming clarke is ok

Id like a really good no8, 10 and mr muliana!!!!


If clarke is not, think we need a big signing there.