CONNACHT HAVE ANNOUNCED their second signing from Super Rugby in less than a week, with confirmation that Auckland Blues front row Tom McCartney will join the province next season.
The 28-year-old, who is predominately a hooker but also has experience at loosehead prop, has agreed a three-year deal with Pat Lam’s side. McCartney has racked up a total of 64 Super Rugby appearances for the Blues, including two starts in the current campaign.
It is another strong piece of business from Connacht in the transfer market, following hot on the heels of their Bundee Aki coup.
Standing at 6ft 1ins and weighing close to 110kg, the front row broke into the professional game with ITM Cup side North Harbour, before switching allegiances to Auckland in 2007, where he first worked under Lam.
With Kiwi international Tony Woodcock having departed last season, McCartney started seven Super Rugby games for the Blues at loosehead, having previously only appeared in the number one shirt thrice at that level.
McCartney adapted well to the task, no doubt helped by his apparently voracious appetite for heavy gym work. Indeed, the powerful front rower is affectionately known as ‘Freak’ by his current teammates at the Blues on account of his extreme strength levels.
The latest addition to Connacht’s squad will join at the conclusion of the 2014 ITM Cup. Unsurprisingly, McCartney has stated he is excited about making the move to Ireland.
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,” said the 28-year-old.
“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.”
Murray, Munster and Leinster have been very quiet the acquisitions front, any news or rumours?… More good work by Pat Lam. At this rate they could be challenging for a spot on merit next year…
The old “fiancé’s grandmothers from Cork” trick; he’ll be out doing a photo-shoot with a hurley next!
Good signing tho!
Is he a good signing? seems to only have a handful Super Rugby games under his belt. Could turn out to be good but remains to be seen.
22 starts overcast two seasons and before that he had Mealamu in front of him.
it says 64 matches now, said a lot less earlier!
I’m determined to know where Connacht are getting their money from! They’ve been certainly the most active in the transfer market, despite the fact that the IRFU isn’t exactly made of money!
There had been some whispers in the media that the IRFU are now open to private investment in the provinces which is similar to how it works in New Zealand. The IRFU however maintain control of clubs.
Yes, has it not been the case with Rory Mcilroy and ulster?
Many whispers but the IRFU have not confirmed such deals. They are as transparent as ever!
The IRFU also announced last week increased funding for Connacht, something around the 350,000 mark I think.
You read too many fairy tales. McIlroy has never put money into Ulster
Connacht are losing quite a few players as well. Griffin gone to London Irish. Wilkinson forced to retire. Just to mention two. All that frees up some money as well.
Not sure you determination will get you an answer but good luck with it all the same. Connacht are a lot of players down in 2015 due to injuries and retires and leavers.
No unfairness that’s a great signing!
Pat doing nice job,
Connacht line up looking stronger which each passing day
Think we could with more experience at 10, not sure if Parkes is still the man!!
Interested to see who Munster play out half on Saturday as well!!!!
No wonder Ireland struggles to find good props none the young lads getting any game time
Eejit, only three props across all four provinces are not Irish or Irish qualified. Botha, Afoa and Nathan White, who incidentally is Irish qualified in a few months.
Yes and two of those props are the first choice for the clubs meaning there is one who gets the much needed game time and is Irish (mike Ross) and tell me we don’t struggle at international level regarding props before Martin Moore came along
First off, we arguably have more quality looseheads than any country in the world at the moment. As for tighthead, Afoa and Court are leaving and being replaced by two Irish players in Dave Ryan and Ruaidhri Murphy. At Munster John Ryan, Alan Cotter (who were both on the bench v Toulouse) and Archer are 25, 27 and 26 respectively have all played a lot of rugby despite their best propping days being ahead of them. Then at Leinster there is Tadhg Furlong who by all accounts despite being 2 years younger, was further along in his development than Martin Moore 18 months ago before two long term injuries in succession.
The future’s bright and its a 4 day weekend, cheer up mate.
Agreed we have quality both sides of the scrum, so why bring in over seas props? when guys like furlong and Ryan would benefit more as would the international team, I just think like you there is quality around so why bye in players? Enjoy your weekend
This is well worth a watch if havn’t seen it already – very funny:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL3sNfd2WJ0
He’s a ‘super freak’! From what I’ve heard he’s an absolute beast, google his name and super freak to see something funny.