CONNACHT RUGBY TODAY confirmed the signing of Auckland utility back Stacey Ili.
Ili can play across the outside back positions. Photosport / INPHO
Photosport / INPHO / INPHO
The 25-year-old, who has been part of the Auckland set-up for four years, has played both sevens and 15s with the side.
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He can cover the back three and midfield and will meet up with his new colleagues in the west of Ireland later this week.
Speaking at the announcement, head coach Pat Lam said Ili would provide yet another option for the Guinness Pro12 champions:
“As we look to challenge in both the Guinness Pro12 and European Champions Cup, the addition to our squad of a player like Stacey increases our options all across the back line. Stacey is someone we’ve been looking at for a while now. He is an exciting and skillful player who will complement the game we want to play.”
Stacey Ili made one start for #Auckland in the current Mitre 10 Cup. Wore the 14 shirt for the opening round 43-3 defeat to Canterbury.
Ili added: “I am really excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to play with Connacht and under coach Pat Lam. I appreciate all the efforts that Connacht Rugby has made to ensure this smooth relocation for me. I am eager to get started and be a part of this awesome team.”
Playing for Melbourne University in the National Rugby Championship last season, Ili scored five tries in eight games, making 433m on 60 carries.
Connacht announce signing of Stacey Ili from Auckland
CONNACHT RUGBY TODAY confirmed the signing of Auckland utility back Stacey Ili.
The 25-year-old, who has been part of the Auckland set-up for four years, has played both sevens and 15s with the side.
He can cover the back three and midfield and will meet up with his new colleagues in the west of Ireland later this week.
Speaking at the announcement, head coach Pat Lam said Ili would provide yet another option for the Guinness Pro12 champions:
“As we look to challenge in both the Guinness Pro12 and European Champions Cup, the addition to our squad of a player like Stacey increases our options all across the back line. Stacey is someone we’ve been looking at for a while now. He is an exciting and skillful player who will complement the game we want to play.”
Ili added: “I am really excited and grateful to be given the opportunity to play with Connacht and under coach Pat Lam. I appreciate all the efforts that Connacht Rugby has made to ensure this smooth relocation for me. I am eager to get started and be a part of this awesome team.”
Playing for Melbourne University in the National Rugby Championship last season, Ili scored five tries in eight games, making 433m on 60 carries.
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Guinness PRO12 Connacht New Signing pat lam Stacey Ili