CONNACHT HAVE FURTHER strengthened their backline resources for the second half of the season with the short-term signing of Stephen Fitzgerald from Munster.
Fitzgerald, the older brother of Connacht academy out-half Conor, joins the western province on a three-month loan deal, and becomes the third player to move to the Sportsground in the last week.
Andy Friend’s midfield options were boosted with the arrival of Tom Daly from Leinster while Connacht also secured the signing of Angus Lloyd — who has had spells with Ulster and Munster — as scrum-half injury cover before Christmas.
23-year-old Fitzgerald has made seven senior appearances for Munster but hasn’t featured for Johann van Graan’s side this term, and his move to Galway will provide him with an opportunity to gain senior game time.
The former Ireland U20 international is primarily a fullback but can also play on the wing and will be a useful option for Friend, with Craig Ronaldson, Niyi Adeolokun, Eoin Griffin, Peter Robb and Colm De Buitlear all currently sidelined.
Fitzgerald, who previously represented the Limerick hurlers at minor level, signed a one-year contract extension with Munster last February, but having been beset by injuries has yet to make the breakthrough at Thomond Park.
Fitzgerald, like Daly and Lloyd, could come into contention for Connacht’s Guinness Pro14 inter-pro against Ulster at the Sportsground on Friday night [KO 7.35pm, TG4, eir Sport].
Subscribe to our new podcast, Heineken Rugby Weekly on The42, here:
Stephen Fitzgerald is a very good player.
@Locojoe: He sure is. This move can only be a positive for him and I hope it works out. Earlier comments regarding the IRFU favouring other provinces when it comes to medical jokers have some substance, but if Fitzgearld makes a name for himself out West and reaches his full potential then Connaught are the ones with the last laugh as he may consider staying long term. I know that’s a big IF, but look at Cooney in Ulster. IMO the second best Irish SH
I’m sure these lads are excellent players in their own right……but this last few weeks show where the IRFUs priorities lie.
Theres still a lack of interest in supporting Connacht and allowing them to go to the open market and sign cover of an experienced nature!!
Anyway, 2 big inter pros coming up!! Most likely have to win both even to get a bit of recognition!
@Julian: allowing players to move on loan and help you out is a bad thing?
@Julian: I fail to see how the IRFU are to blame for Connacht not signing a more experienced foreign player.
Connacht have never been made of money and I’d imagine a €30 million investment in redeveloping the Sportsground has forced them to operate on an even tighter budget.
If anything, the IRFU have likely got them out of a hole by facilitating the loan moves for Fitzgerald and Tom Daly-who are both decent players by the way.
@Julian: I’d have no problem blaming the IRFU if I felt it was their fault, but to be perfectly honest, I don’t think we could afford any better short term cover and that is a provincial matter. Ulster can afford the likes of Speight or Lealiifano as injury cover as they have far more income owing to a larger stadium, corporate sponsorship and a certain golfer. Connacht don’t, and I don’t want Connacht to run up massive debt the way Munster did. Daly, Lloyd and Fitzgerald are unlikely to make it into the first team for any important match, but are good squad players while the Marmions, Ronaldsons and O’Hallorans return from injury. If we spent large amounts of money on a big injury cover player, we would be forced to play him, which would be detrimental to the players that are currently benefiting from injuries (i.e. Blade, Leader and Farrell).
@EK: don’t think I mentioned a foreign import!! Munster seem to have that covered!! I’m not questioning the lads that are coming in, just questioning their caliber!!
Our colleagues in other provinces can get the ‘jokers’ when they’re not always needed!!
And as for the IRFU help…..we’ll see!!
@Chris Mc: no, not a bad thing!! Sending guys that can’t make a senior bench is tho!!
@Julian: Tom Farrell came in as a medical joker. Not much experience. Look at him now
@Julian: You didn’t but if that’s your argument then name a more experienced Irish-qualified full back who would have wanted to go to Connacht then.
@Julian: But you need to fund the joker.
@Julian: “sending guys that can’t make a senior bench is tho” If these guys are good enough for a senior bench, they would be unlikely to move.
@Kevin Burke: as did Cooney
@Julian: Provinces have to fund these moves themselves. Maybe the IRFU are blocking Connacht and allowing Munster, but it more likely comes down to finances. Mathewson was clearly a quid pro quo for Murray missing the first half the season to sort an issue ahead of the RWC. Regarding IRFU blocking NIQ moves I’m assuming it’s on a case by case basis. IRFU probably factor in the players that available in that position and the fixtures to be played. For example, if Munster crashed out of the Champions Cup because Williams was starting 9, that would be bad for Irish rugby.
@Johnny 5: duncan williams is a brilliant player
@Julian: Beirne couldn’t make the Leinster bench should you take him?
@Chris Mc: Yes plz Chris, send him over whenever he’s ready.
Whoever has been picking the short term signings over the last 3 years is cute enough. Most of the lads they bring in are very good players waiting for a chance and boy do they take it! Farrell, Paul Boyle, Gavin Thornbury, McCabe to name a few.
I’m hoping T Daly gets a run this weekend. Seriously, Seriously talented player. I’ve a feeling he’s gonna hit a serious run of form soon.
Both Fitzgerald’s are bog standard average players and will never make it at Munster.
@Treaty Bhoy: They said the same about Ultan Dillane aswell.
@Californialov3: no they didn’t