Connacht have raided the Super XV ranks for the second time in a week and followed up the signing of centre Bundee Aki with the acquisition of Blues hooker Tom McCartney.
The New Zealander, who has played 64 times in Super Rrugby since his debut in 2008, has signed a three-year deal that will commence next season. The 28-year-old has worked with Connacht coach Pat Lam before, while with provincial side Auckland.
“After talking with Pat Lam, I’m really excited about the move up to Connacht to help achieve their vision,” McCartney said today. “I’ve obviously worked under Pat before and I really enjoy his coaching philosophy. He gave me my first start for Auckland back in 2007 and really, I owe a lot of my career achievements to him from those early days.
"I believe Galway is a fantastic city and both myself and my fiancée Taryn, whose grandfather is from County Cork, are really looking forward to settling in over there."
“I’ve been with the Blues and Auckland Rugby for over seven years now and enjoyed every minute. But this move is a fantastic opportunity and the challenge I’ve been looking for.”
Lam said hooker was a “key area” that needed to be addressed by Connacht.
"There is clearly a shortage for all Irish clubs in this specialised position but especially at Connacht where this year Seán Henry endured a season-ending injury and where young Dave Heffernan and sub Academy player Jack Dinneen have only been converted from backrow to hooker in the last year."
"I have worked with Tom at both Auckland and the Blues in New Zealand and he is an excellent team man who was a key member of our leadership group. He is extremely hard working and respected by all the players and coaches around him.
"There are a lot of similarities in character with Tom and young Jake (Heenan) who made the move from Auckland to Ireland last year and who has fit in so well both with the squad and in terms of his rugby. I have no doubt that Tom will make the same impression here, both with the team and with the wonderful Connacht supporters."
