Connacht Announce Signing Of Kiwi Utility Back

Connacht have announced the signing of 27-year-old Irish qualified utility back, Josh Rowland.

Rowland has been in Ireland since April 2016 training and playing with the Ireland Sevens He earned his first cap in the Olympic Repechage in Monaco last month.

We're pleased to announce the recruitment of new back Josh Rowland for 2016/17 @ https://t.co/w0olCf8WKD pic.twitter.com/26q4G4gAAd

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) July 14, 2016

Rowland, who can can play fullback and wing, has an Irish grandmother from Dublin and played on the same Counties Manukau side as Bundee Aki in 2012, coached by All Black legend, Tana Umaga. He played ITM Cup rugby with North Harbour, last year, and captained their Sevens team.

Rowland commented:

“I’ve been playing both 15’s and Sevens rugby all my life and I love the challenge of both. I feel I’m in a good place fitness-wise after an intense few weeks with the sevens so I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running at Connacht and putting in some good pre-season work.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me as a player and I want to make the most of it and do what I can for the team.”

Connacht head coach, Pat Lam expressed his delight with the move.

“Josh has had a good few months with the sevens set up and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can add to our back three options at Connacht as we prepare for a huge season ahead in both the PRO12 and Champions Cup.”