RUGBY DIGEST:CONNACHT RUGBY have signed a new prop to replace the long-term injured former English international Robbie Morris, writes Linley MacKenzie.
Rodney Ah You, a member of New Zealand’s winning Junior World Cup sides in both 2007 and 2008, will join Connacht in the next 10 days as a permanent replacement for Morris, who has been forced to retire.
Ah You (22) has been given an 18-month contract that will run for the remainder of this season and next season, thus becoming the first Connacht player to receive an agreement longer than the existing one-year contracts brought in by the IRFU last year.
Ah You comes to Connacht after two seasons with New Zealand provincial side Canterbury following a meteoric rise in rugby.
He started playing at age 16 when attending Christchurch Boys’ High School, and within four years he had represented Canterbury at under-17, under-18, under-19 and Colts levels, while also playing for both the New Zealand under-19 and under-20s at their respective world cups.
He first came to the notice of Connacht coach Eric Elwood and assistant Dan McFarland during those tournaments where he made three appearances for the Baby Blacks, including New Zealand’s 65-10 win over Ireland en route to the Kiwis’ 2008 world title.
Ah You, a versatile tighthead prop, who can also play at loosehead, made his debut for Canterbury last season. One of their other four props, tighthead Peter Borlase, is joining Munster at the end of this season.
Connacht also have three props on three-month trials, South African Dylan Rogers, Australian Barry Fa’amausili, and St Mary’s Rob Sweeney, along with regulars Jamie Hagan, Brett Wilkinson, and Ronan Loughney.
- As Ireland's match against the Springboks on November 6th is the first international in the new Aviva stadium, the IRFU are calling on Irish rugby fans to take part in the burial of an Irish Rugby Time Capsule, which will not be opened until 2060, writes Johnny Watterson.
The first item in will be the Ireland captain’s jersey from the opening game. Also included will be an album of photos sent in by Irish supporters on what they feel represents Irish rugby. The address is timecapsule@irfu.ie Clubs and schools from all over the country are also being asked to send photos of their teams/clubs. In addition, primary school students are being invited to submit an A4 size painting on the theme of Irish rugby.
Further information is available from www.irishrugby.ie.
