Hawkshaw the latest to swap Leinster for Connacht

David Hawkshaw has become the fourth Leinster player to confirm a move to Connacht for next season.

The 22-year-old joins teammates Peter Dooley, Josh Murphy and Adam Byrne in heading to the west of Ireland this summer.

The versatile midfield back covers both centre and out-half, and has played eight times for Leinster in the United Rugby Championship to date.

However, the former Ireland U20 captain would likely have more senior rugby under his bet were it not for the ACL injury he suffered during the Grand Slam U20 Six Nations campaign in 2019, which ruled him out for close to 18 months.

"I understand that I now need to start getting games under my belt to add that extra layer of experience to my game," Hawkshaw said.

"The chance to play with Connacht Rugby and to hopefully put my hand up for selection on a more consistent basis is all that I want and the rest is up to me. I look forward to doing that next season."

Connacht head coach Andy Friend added: "David has the potential to be another exciting player for us. He's still young so will have the platform at Connacht to show what he can do, whether that be as an out-half or inside centre. His leadership attributes as shown during his time as captain of the Ireland U20s are also clear to see."

The province have been busy in the transfer market in the last week, with the signings of Irish-qualified Australian Byron Ralston, and New Zealander Shamus Hurley-Langton also confirmed in recent days.