New Zealand coach Pat Lam has lured former All Black fullback Mils Muliaina to Irish rugby club Connacht.
All Blacks centurion Muliaina has signed with the club on a one-year deal in both a player and mentor capacity.
Muliaina’s return to Super Rugby with the Chiefs has been cut short by elbow surgery and he will join Bundee Aki, Tom McCartney and Nathan White in heading to Ireland at the end of the Super Rugby season.
“I don’t think I need to point out how huge it is to have Mils Muliaina as our first All Black coming to represent Connacht,” Pat Lam said via Connacht’s website.
“The second ever All Black and the first ever 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.
“I’ve known Mils for some time now and as well as the wealth of knowledge and experience he will bring to the team, he is first and foremost a great team man and a leader who will contribute enormously to our Connacht culture and help move us closer to our vision.”
Muliaina said he was excited to be heading to Ireland to continue his career and joining an ever expanding Kiwi connection in Galway..
“I’ve obviously had a good chat with some of the boys at the club – Nathan (White) and Clarkey (Craig Clarke) – and they’ve told me a good bit about the place. But I’ve learnt a lot about what to expect from my discussions with Pat (Lam).
“Myself and Pat have a very good working relationship. I have a good understanding about my role and what is expected of me at Connacht. I’ve heard a lot about the talented young backs at the club – guys like Robbie Henshaw – and I’m keen to help anywhere I can, both on and off the field.
“Moving to the other side of the world is a challenge but one that I’m really looking forward to. My experiences of playing in Ireland have been memorable and the one thing that stands out to me is the people. They are passionate people who really love their rugby.
“Right now I’m fully focused on my recovery and getting myself ready to hit the ground running when I arrive in Ireland.”
Former Chiefs captain Craig Clarke is already at Connacht.
Muliaina had only returned to New Zealand this season after a playing stint in Japan.
Article source: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jan/23/usa-rugby-coach-las-vegas-olympics-sevens
Pat Lam snaps up Mils Muliaina
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