All Black Muliaina to play rugby in Ireland

LONDON — Former All Black stalwart Mils Muliaina has signed for Connacht for next season, the Irish province announced on Monday.

The 33-year-old full-back, capped 100 times by New Zealand, has signed a one-year contract with the Irish rugby union to become the first All Black to play for Connacht.

Samoan-born Muliaina, currently in a second stint with Waikato-based Chiefs, will link up with head coach Pat Lam who he played under at Auckland from 2004-05 and with the Asia Pacific Barbarians in 2012.

Muliaina, Connacht said, “has been signed as a player-mentor where his invaluable experience will assist in development of the young Irish talent at the club”.

His Super Rugby playing career includes spells at Auckland Blues and the Chiefs, where he returned this year after two seasons playing in Japan.

Having played six games for the defending Super Rugby champions this year, the veteran back has opted to undergo surgery on a niggling elbow injury and is in line to return to match fitness prior to his arrival in Galway.

“I don’t think I need to point out how huge it is to have Mils Muliaina as our first All Black to represent Connacht,” said Lam.

“The second All Black and the first back to reach 100 Test matches is some achievement but what’s incredible about Mils is the passion and professionalism he brings whenever he plays and I know he will bring that in the Connacht jersey.

“At the age of 33, he still has the hunger to play competitive rugby and before his surgery last month he showed his quality and ability to keep playing at the top level in Super Rugby.”

Muliaina said: “This is an exciting time for me, making the move to Connacht Rugby.

“I have a good understanding about my role and what is expected of me at Connacht.”

AFP

All Black Muliaina to play rugby in Ireland