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Aussie centre Godwin returns to Western Force after Connacht departure

The 27-year-old spent two seasons with the western province.

KYLE GODWIN WILL feature for the Western Force in the upcoming Super Rugby AU competition having rejoined his former club after leaving Connacht.

The 27-year-old was confirmed as one of 12 players leaving the Irish province this summer and has now linked up with his old team back in Australia.

Western Force, who have driven the Global Rapid Rugby competition in recent years, will be part of Super Rugby AU along with the Reds, Brumbies, Rebels, and Waratahs from 3 July onwards. 

kyle-godwin-with-rhys-ruddock Godwin joined Connacht in 2018. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Former Australia U20 international Godwin broke into senior professional rugby with the Western Force in 2012, when the Perth-based franchise was still part of Super Rugby.

Midfielder Godwin moved to the Brumbies in 2016 – the same year he was capped by the Wallabies – and then signed for Connacht in 2018, spending two impressive seasons in Ireland with the western province.

Godwin now returns to Australian rugby to rejoin his first pro club. He is currently in a hotel for two weeks of mandatory quarantine but will link up with the Force for training on June 25.

“Kyle is a great example of a talented young Australian who moved overseas to further his rugby career,” said Force head coach Tim Sampson.

“To bring him back to once again play for his home team is evidence of the rugby program being developed here.

“He has strong ties with the rugby community back here in Perth and fans will be very excited to see take to the field here in Australia again.

“Kyle is a local hero, he has represented his state and his nation, and we are thrilled at the prospect of him getting back in the blue and black.

“He has natural instinct and his ability to adapt is a strength of his. He will slip into our squad seamlessly here.” 

Western Force have also welcomed back former players Jono Lance and Ollie Atkins, while Wallabies prop Greg Holmes has joined from Exeter Chiefs.

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    Mute Mr Kenobi
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    Jun 15th 2020, 2:47 PM

    A huge loss for connacht

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    Mute Max Power
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    Jun 15th 2020, 3:02 PM

    A classy, versatile and underrated player who was probably Connacht’s most consistent back during his two seasons. The guy was like a Swiss Army Knife. Very sorry to see him go but wish him every success back home.

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    Mute Jim Demps
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    Jun 15th 2020, 2:53 PM

    It’ll be pretty tough for connacht to get a replacement who’s as versatile as Godwin was. Hopefully they pull something out of the bag though.

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    Mute tribesman
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    Jun 15th 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Jim Demps: I think all the departures and replacing with kids from the academy all finance driven. I fear the irfu plan is to ride out the financial storm for next couple years.
    Connacht will suffer significantly in that period.

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    Mute Jim Demps
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    Jun 15th 2020, 5:24 PM

    @tribesman: I’d find it strange if the budgets for the provinces weren’t already agreed prior to any Covid 19 interference. The other three provinces were able to go about their business and complete them ok and most contract work and signings are done early in the year before player contracts are run up which allows teams to plan accordingly. To me it looks like the connacht management, for whatever reason, either left it too late to get the work done or delayed it for some reason. Either way what’s probably most telling is that there’s been no grumblings or frustration aimed at the IRFU at the moment from connacht, something you’d imagine would be happening if there was a slash in budget or if they were refusing transfers in.

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    Mute Arthur West
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    Jun 15th 2020, 9:01 PM

    @Jim Demps: or they need to pay off a new stadium

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    Mute David Finn
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    Jun 15th 2020, 3:36 PM

    Godwin was a hugely respected and talented part of the squad in Connacht for the past two seasons. Hugely versatile and will be very difficult to replace. Nearest similar type player plying his trade for the provinces currently might be Rory O’Loughlin.

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    Mute Chris Mc
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    Jun 15th 2020, 5:24 PM

    @David Finn: Rory would be a great shout. There’s also Noel Reid and or although not like for like Rob K. The IRFU need to stop this penny pinching it won’t benefit irish rugby in the long run.

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    Mute Sean Fahey
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    Jun 15th 2020, 7:26 PM

    Connacht not getting a fair shake when it comes to resourcing their squad. You feel a lot of their investment in youth is enforced as they struggle to sign and retain top class talent.

    They built up so much momentum under Lam that they’ve lost, mostly down to the lack of financial backing, despite the fact that Connacht continue to punch above their weight in player development and even trophy haul.

    We have the resources for Connacht to be able to make the champions cup and be in the play off race every season, but it looks like they’ve taken the hardest hit in cost cutting so far.

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    Mute Bam Singham
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    Jun 15th 2020, 6:31 PM

    Can anyone explain why connacht didn’t hold on to him?

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    Mute Hogan Dental & Medical Services
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    Jun 15th 2020, 6:50 PM

    @Bam Singham: he was on a 2 year deal that expired and I think he wanted to head back to Australia.

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