CONNACHT RUGBY HAS confirmed the landmark capture of 100-times capped New Zealand fullback Mils Muliaina.
Muliaina has signed a one-year IRFU contract to become the first ever All Black to play with the Irish province at the Sportsground. He has been signed on a deal that will see him act as a player-mentor to backline talents such as Robbie Henshaw, Dave McSharry and Darragh Leader.
Connacht 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 [after Richie McCaw] 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.”
Lam added, “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.”
The 33-year-old commented, “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 [Craig] Clarke – and they’ve told me a good bit about the place.” He added:
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.”
The clip below is a fine example of the pace, awareness and attacking instinct of Muliaina, who will arrive after the Super Rugby season concludes. He starts a counter-attack in his 22 and bursts up the left in support of Sitiveni Sivivatu to score against France. It was one of his 33 tries in 100 Test caps.
What do you make of the 33-year-old’s signing?
