CONNACHT HAVE ADDED Dubliner AJ MacGinty to their squad for the rest of the season after the USA international’s return from the Rugby World Cup.
Despite only making his debut for the USA Eagles during the summer’s Pacific Nations Cup, MacGinty was their first choice out-half for the World Cup, scoring 25 points in his three appearances at the tournament.
But he has now been snapped up by Pat Lam, who is looking to add further depth to his backline.
“As a young Irish player playing abroad, AJ has been on our radar for quite some time now and we have been watching his games closely since he first played in the PNC during the summer. His performances in the Rugby World Cup were impressive and we’re very pleased that he’s now joining Connacht Rugby.
“AJ adds to our options at outhalf and we expect him to bring with him his experience of playing at the highest level. His skillset compliments our game and he has shown that he can execute the basics of kicking and passing in high pressure situations.
“I had the chance to meet him properly last week and discuss his future. He’s an extremely ambitious and determined young man when it comes to his continued development as a rugby player,” Lam said.
MacGinty moved to New York in 2012 where he played for NYAC before his Masters in Exercise and Sports Science later that year took him to Georgia.
While there he played for Life University Men’s Club until gaining eligibility for the Eagles in February of 2015.
The 25-year-old also played schools rugby with Blackrock College, before featuring for Blackrock RFC’s first team.
