CONNACHT SCRUM-HALF CAOLIN Blade has signed a new three-year deal with the province, while back-row forward Dave Ewers has agreed to join Ulster from Exeter Chiefs next season.
The news that the 28-year-old has committed his future to Connacht until the end of the 2025/26 season was revealed with the promise that “further contract announcements will follow later in the week.”
The Monivea native made his debut in 2014, the first of his 160 appearances for the club. He became an Irish international in July 2021, featuring against the USA.
“I’m very proud and happy to commit to Connacht Rugby for another three years. This club means a lot to me and I want to do everything I can to help them succeed into the future,” said Blade.
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“The prospect of training and playing in our new stadium really appeals to me so I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
Departing head coach Andy Friend added: “Bladey epitomises the fast, high-tempo rugby Connacht are known for, so it’s great to keep him at his home province for at least another three seasons.
“To tie him down on a long-term contract is a significant show of faith both from the club to him as a player, but also from Caolin to the club in terms of what the aims are for the years ahead.”
Ewers, meanwhile, will join Ulster for the start of next season.
The 32-year-old can play as both a flanker and No 8. He has made more than 200 senior appearances since then for the English side, and was involved in the club’s winning of both the Premiership and Champions Cup in 2020.
Ulster head coach, Dan McFarland, said: “Dave has demonstrated over a terrific career at Exeter that he loves to carry ball, and is one of the top gain-line winning forwards in the Premiership. His size, work rate, and skillset will dovetail nicely with our other back rows.
Ewers said Ulster is a “proud club” which reaches “far and wide”.
“I look forward to calling myself one of the Ulster men from next season onwards,” he said.
“I have made many memories with Exeter Chiefs over the years, and now I’m excited to see what this next chapter in my career holds as part of a club with big goals.”
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Caolin Blade signs three-year Connacht deal while Dave Ewers is set to join Ulster from Exeter
LAST UPDATE | 17 Jan 2023
CONNACHT SCRUM-HALF CAOLIN Blade has signed a new three-year deal with the province, while back-row forward Dave Ewers has agreed to join Ulster from Exeter Chiefs next season.
The news that the 28-year-old has committed his future to Connacht until the end of the 2025/26 season was revealed with the promise that “further contract announcements will follow later in the week.”
The Monivea native made his debut in 2014, the first of his 160 appearances for the club. He became an Irish international in July 2021, featuring against the USA.
“I’m very proud and happy to commit to Connacht Rugby for another three years. This club means a lot to me and I want to do everything I can to help them succeed into the future,” said Blade.
“The prospect of training and playing in our new stadium really appeals to me so I can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
Departing head coach Andy Friend added: “Bladey epitomises the fast, high-tempo rugby Connacht are known for, so it’s great to keep him at his home province for at least another three seasons.
“To tie him down on a long-term contract is a significant show of faith both from the club to him as a player, but also from Caolin to the club in terms of what the aims are for the years ahead.”
Ewers, meanwhile, will join Ulster for the start of next season.
The 32-year-old can play as both a flanker and No 8. He has made more than 200 senior appearances since then for the English side, and was involved in the club’s winning of both the Premiership and Champions Cup in 2020.
Ulster head coach, Dan McFarland, said: “Dave has demonstrated over a terrific career at Exeter that he loves to carry ball, and is one of the top gain-line winning forwards in the Premiership. His size, work rate, and skillset will dovetail nicely with our other back rows.
Ewers said Ulster is a “proud club” which reaches “far and wide”.
“I look forward to calling myself one of the Ulster men from next season onwards,” he said.
“I have made many memories with Exeter Chiefs over the years, and now I’m excited to see what this next chapter in my career holds as part of a club with big goals.”
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