PRO12 CHAMPIONS CONNACHT have today announced the signing of New Zealander Josh Rowland, who has already represented Ireland on the Sevens stage.
The 27-year-old outside back is Irish-qualified through his Dublin-born grandmother.
Rowland will be familiar with the Westerners’ talismanic Kiwi, he played in the same Counties Manukau side as Bundee Aki under Tana Umaga in 2012. More recently, Rowland has played in the ITM Cup for North Harbour before his Sevens credentials earned him a call to Ireland in April.
“We became aware of Josh’s availability as an Irish qualified player through his involvement with the Ireland sevens programme earlier this year,” says head coach Pat Lam.
“He 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.”
The new recruit will join a heated contest for back three jerseys at the Sportsground with Cian Kelleher signed from Leinster after an impressive season from Tiernan O’Halloran, Niyi Adeolokun and Matt Healy.
“Training and playing in Ireland the last few months has been fantastic and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the players in the sevens set up,” Rowland said in today’s statement from Connacht.
“I’ve been playing both 15s 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.”
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