CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED the signing of former Ulster lock David O’Connor from Ealing Trailfinders.
O’Connor, who can also play in the back row, has spent the last two seasons at current English Championship leaders Ealing, captaining the side on several occasions.
The 28-year-old Skerries native, who is the younger brother of Ulster second row Alan O’Connor, previously spent three years at the northern province where he made 15 appearances.
O’Connor spent three years in the Leinster academy before being released by the club in 2017. He played AIL rugby with St Mary’s and Lansdowne before heading north to join Ulster on a development contract in 2019.
After making seven first-team appearances for Ulster during his first season and eight in his second, O’Connor joined Ealing on loan in February 2022. He made the switch permanent when he was released by Ulster that summer.
“I’m thrilled to be joining a great club like Connacht,” O’Connor said. “I’ve loved my time at Ealing but to have the opportunity to be back playing in the URC, and link up with Pete [Wilkins] and the wider squad is something I’m so excited about. I can’t wait to get going next season.”
Connacht boss Pete Wilkins added: “David is a welcome addition to our squad for next season, arriving as an intelligent set-piece operator who also delivers athleticism and work-rate around the field.
“Whilst at Ealing, he has established himself as a key leader for the team, captaining the side on several occasions, and these qualities will provide another important boost to our forward pack.
“I’m sure he’ll make a similarly positive impact at Connacht both on and off the field, and we look forward to him joining us.”
Connacht are making alot of smart signings for next season. They won’t be winning the Champions Cup, but they may just help ensure an extra couple of wins per season and maybe even a top 4 finish in the league. They are building a squad for the next 4 years and who knows after that.
@Paul Ennis: hard to say smart signings, I’d be using the term dirt trackers. Looks like Thornbury is off, replacing him with David O’Connor is hardly an upgrade. McBurney seems to be replacing McElroy, hardly a massive upgrade either. The one positive signing is Piers O’Conor coming in to replace Tom Farrell (supposedly). O’Conor hasn’t got too much game time with Bristol this year and Farrell has looked sharp in his last couple of games for Connacht so whether it’s an upgrade, remains to be seen
Is there a lock leaving Connacht?
More room for scrum & out halves imo. JJ & Carty not really at the level needed for top urc push. Devine is real fresh air to the attack but more needed in the middle???
@Noel Lynn:
I agree, We also need more props, right?
Reports that max deagan is going to ulster.
I want to correct above.
Connacht should 「invest for」 Young IQ player…..
Connacht should young IQ players like Jarlath Gleeson (current Lyon academy) or Patrees Bell(Sale sharks academy) and others.They will grow up from now.