Connacht continue recruitment with Kiwi back row

Connacht's busy week in the transfer market continued today with the signing of New Zealander Shamus Hurley-Langton for next season.

The back row will arrive from Manawatu Turbos, where he played alongside current Connacht prop Tietie Tuimauga.

The 21-year-old has featured 18 times across the last two Mitre 10 Cup and NPC campaigns, winning Rookie of the Year in 2020.

The Taranaki native has predominantly played number eight, where he will replace fellow Kiwi Abraham Papali'i as the province's non-Irish qualified back rower, with Papali'i following Sammy Arnold in moving to French club Brive.

"I'm really excited about my move to Connacht Rugby. I’ve had a lot of discussions with Andy and the coaching team who spoke really well about what I could offer at the club," Hurley-Langton said.

"Connacht play a very attractive brand of rugby and the idea of relocating to the West of Ireland was one that appealed to me. I can’t wait to get settled, meet my new team-mates and see what it’s in store for the future."

Andy Friend says Hurley-Langton’s arrival is a major plus for the club.

"We've been following Shamus for quite a while now. He's extremely powerful and offers us something a bit different to our other back row options next season.

"He's still only 21 so has the potential to get even better, so we're really looking forward to integrating him into the group and seeing what he can produce."

Hurley-Langton is the third new signing the province have confirmed this week, after the earlier announcements of Leinster pair Peter Dooley and Adam Byrne.

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