Former Ulster hooker Adam McBurney to join Connacht next season

Connacht have confirmed their second new signing of the week, with Adam McBurney joining from Edinburgh this summer.

The former Ulster hooker returns to Ireland after three seasons in Scotland, where he played 24 games.

McBurney - who is currently on loan at Gloucester - is a product of the Ulster academy, and made his debut for the province in 2017. The Ballymena man played 43 times for his native province before moving to Edinburgh in the summer of 2021.

The forward was a key member of the Ireland Under-20 side that reached the World Rugby U20 Championship final for the first time in 2016, scoring three tries in the tournament, one of which came in the pool stage win over New Zealand.

"I'm really looking forward to making the move to Connacht next season," he said.

"I’ve had positive discussions with Pete [Wilkins] and his team there and I’m really impressed by where the club is going and the potential for me to make an impact there. I can’t wait to move back to Ireland, get settled and help the club achieve success."

McBurney's signing is the second confirmed arrival ahead of next season at the Dexcom Stadium, with Bristol utility back Piers O'Conor also agreeing a contract in Galway.

"Adam is a player with a huge amount of experience gathered in a relatively short period," Connacht coach Pete Wilkins said.

"He’s still only 27 but has played URC, Premiership, Champions Cup and Challenge Cup rugby so will have plenty to offer us. We look forward to welcoming him to Connacht and providing an environment for him to continue to grow his game, and I’ve no doubt he will become an important member of the squad next season."

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