The 100-times capped New Zealand international, who won the 2011 World Cup with his country, will arrive in Galway at the end of the current Super Rugby season. He has played three times for the Chiefs, reigning league champions, since his return from Japan’s Top League in February. Injury has him on the sidelines at present but he is hoping to return in plenty of time to help the Chiefs on their three-in-a-row trophy quest.
Muliaina says the move marks ‘an exciting time for me’ and reveals he has learned about the club from Connacht captain Craig Clarke and prop Nathan White. He commented, “I’ve learnt a lot about what to expect from my discussions with Pat (Lam). Myself and Pat have a very good working relationship. As well as Auckland, he coached the AP Barbarians team in June 2012 and I think the fact that I was still in decent shape after all those years surprised him.”
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Muliaina will act as a mentor to Connacht and Ireland back Robbie Henshaw. Billy Stickland / INPHO
Billy Stickland / INPHO / INPHO
The 33-year-old, who scored 33 tries in his eight-year Test career, will be the first ever All Black to play for Connacht. He will also be charged with mentoring, and coaching, the young talents on Connacht’s books, such as Robbie Henshaw, Darragh Leader and Kieran Marmion. Muliana said:
Moving to the other side of the world is a challenge but one that I’m really looking forward to. My experiences of playing in Ireland have been memorable and the one thing that stands out to me is the people. They are passionate people who really love their rugby. I’ve been to Dublin and Limerick with the All Blacks and from what I hear about Galway, it’s one of the best cities in Ireland. I can’t wait to get over there.”
“Right now,” he added, “I’m fully focused on my recovery and getting myself ready to hit the ground running when I arrive in Ireland.”
Connacht coach Pat Lam has spoken, since taking over from Eric Elwood, about bringing in experienced players to help develop the raw but talented players at the western province. He believes Muliaina will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Connacht, contribute enormously to their culture ‘and help move us closer to our vision’.
Lam added, “One of our main priorities as we began recruitment for next season was to bring in a quality, experienced back to help nurture and mentor our young Irish qualified backs on and off the field.
“With the Rugby World Cup only a year away we also wanted someone who could help prepare and guide Connacht’s current international Robbie Henshaw. Mils’ playing experience and knowledge as a fullback, centre and wing who has played in three Rugby World Cups including winning one, will be massive for Robbie and all our backs.”
Muliaina’s signing follows the capture of two other Super Rugby players, Bundee Aki [Chiefs] and Tom McCartney [Blues]. The province also has Kiwis White, Clarke, Miah Nikora and Jake Heenan on their books. Connacht have given full-time contracts to academy graduates Leader, Jack Carty, Conor Finn and Finlay Bealham.
'I can't wait to get over there' - Mils Muliaina on his switch to Connacht
CONNACHT WON BANK Holiday Monday this morning with the major of announcement of Mils Muliaina’s switch from Super Rugby’s Chiefs to the province for next season.
The 100-times capped New Zealand international, who won the 2011 World Cup with his country, will arrive in Galway at the end of the current Super Rugby season. He has played three times for the Chiefs, reigning league champions, since his return from Japan’s Top League in February. Injury has him on the sidelines at present but he is hoping to return in plenty of time to help the Chiefs on their three-in-a-row trophy quest.
Muliaina says the move marks ‘an exciting time for me’ and reveals he has learned about the club from Connacht captain Craig Clarke and prop Nathan White. He commented, “I’ve learnt a lot about what to expect from my discussions with Pat (Lam). Myself and Pat have a very good working relationship. As well as Auckland, he coached the AP Barbarians team in June 2012 and I think the fact that I was still in decent shape after all those years surprised him.”
The 33-year-old, who scored 33 tries in his eight-year Test career, will be the first ever All Black to play for Connacht. He will also be charged with mentoring, and coaching, the young talents on Connacht’s books, such as Robbie Henshaw, Darragh Leader and Kieran Marmion. Muliana said:
“Right now,” he added, “I’m fully focused on my recovery and getting myself ready to hit the ground running when I arrive in Ireland.”
Connacht coach Pat Lam has spoken, since taking over from Eric Elwood, about bringing in experienced players to help develop the raw but talented players at the western province. He believes Muliaina will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Connacht, contribute enormously to their culture ‘and help move us closer to our vision’.
Lam added, “One of our main priorities as we began recruitment for next season was to bring in a quality, experienced back to help nurture and mentor our young Irish qualified backs on and off the field.
“With the Rugby World Cup only a year away we also wanted someone who could help prepare and guide Connacht’s current international Robbie Henshaw. Mils’ playing experience and knowledge as a fullback, centre and wing who has played in three Rugby World Cups including winning one, will be massive for Robbie and all our backs.”
Muliaina’s signing follows the capture of two other Super Rugby players, Bundee Aki [Chiefs] and Tom McCartney [Blues]. The province also has Kiwis White, Clarke, Miah Nikora and Jake Heenan on their books. Connacht have given full-time contracts to academy graduates Leader, Jack Carty, Conor Finn and Finlay Bealham.
Connacht confirm capture of New Zealand full-back Mils Muliaina
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All Blacks Chiefs Guinness PRO12 Connacht fullback galway guy Mils Muliaina pat lam robbie henshaw New Zealand