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Back row Jarrad Butler succeeds Muldoon as Connacht captain

The former Brumbies man earned respect with a big first season for the province.

BACK ROW JARRAD Butler has been named Connacht’s new captain.

Butler takes over the role from John Muldoon, who retired from playing at the end of last season to move into coaching with Bristol.

Jarrad Butler Butler in action against Brive in last week's pre-season friendly. Billy Stickland / INPHO Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO

27-year-old Butler joined Connacht from the Brumbies in 2017 and had a superb first season for the province, earning the respect of his team-mates with consistently hard-nosed performances across his 19 appearances.

Butler, who played Super Rugby for the Reds as well as the Brumbies, is a former Australia U20 international. However, having joined Connacht on a three-year deal before the change to rugby’s residency rule, he could qualify to play for Ireland in 2020.

Butler, a native of Wellington in New Zealand, has now been handed the opportunity to lead the province as they embark on the new Andy Friend era.

Australian head coach Friend joined this summer and will be aiming to guide Connacht to a much-improved campaign after they won just seven of their 21 games in the Guinness Pro14 last season.

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