ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED the signing of openside flanker Willie Faloon from Connacht for the 2015/16 season.
Faloon in action against home province Ulster last season. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
The 28-year-old will return to his native province after three years in the west, having joined Connacht in 2012 in search of first-team game time.
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Ulsterman Faloon has since played 39 times for Connacht, establishing himself as an important part of the set up under Eric Elwood and Pat Lam, as well as becoming a fans’ favourite at the Sportsground.
Ulster’s back row struggles this season mean they have turned to Faloon again, however, with the flanker signing a one-year deal to move north at the end of the season.
“While I am pleased to be returning to Ulster, I want to thank the coaches and fans of Connacht who have backed me over the past three seasons,” said Faloon his decision.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Galway and in the next few months I am completely focused on helping Connacht be successful in both the Pro12 and the European Rugby Challenge Cup.”
Meanwhile, Connacht head coach Lam explained how the move came about, detailing that Faloon will return to Ulster with first-team prospects.
Faloon was voted Connacht’s Player of the Season by supporters in his first season in Galway. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
“When Ulster Rugby approached us about the potential move, the first thing we did was sit down with the player and discuss the different options,” said Lam
“There was an opportunity for Willie to play first team rugby for the province where he is from and we were all supportive of the decision which wasn’t taken lightly.
“Willie is an excellent team man and someone who really bought into the Connacht culture and earned the upper most respect of his team mates and coaches. I know that he will continue to give his all for Connacht for the remainder of the season and we wish him all the best with his career at Ulster.”
An inter-provincial transfer from Connacht to Ulster has been announced
ULSTER HAVE CONFIRMED the signing of openside flanker Willie Faloon from Connacht for the 2015/16 season.
The 28-year-old will return to his native province after three years in the west, having joined Connacht in 2012 in search of first-team game time.
Ulsterman Faloon has since played 39 times for Connacht, establishing himself as an important part of the set up under Eric Elwood and Pat Lam, as well as becoming a fans’ favourite at the Sportsground.
Ulster’s back row struggles this season mean they have turned to Faloon again, however, with the flanker signing a one-year deal to move north at the end of the season.
“While I am pleased to be returning to Ulster, I want to thank the coaches and fans of Connacht who have backed me over the past three seasons,” said Faloon his decision.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Galway and in the next few months I am completely focused on helping Connacht be successful in both the Pro12 and the European Rugby Challenge Cup.”
Meanwhile, Connacht head coach Lam explained how the move came about, detailing that Faloon will return to Ulster with first-team prospects.
“When Ulster Rugby approached us about the potential move, the first thing we did was sit down with the player and discuss the different options,” said Lam
“There was an opportunity for Willie to play first team rugby for the province where he is from and we were all supportive of the decision which wasn’t taken lightly.
“Willie is an excellent team man and someone who really bought into the Connacht culture and earned the upper most respect of his team mates and coaches. I know that he will continue to give his all for Connacht for the remainder of the season and we wish him all the best with his career at Ulster.”
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Guinness PRO12 Connacht Heading Home On the Move Transfer Ulster Willie Faloon