Waugh signing a boost for Connacht

CONNACHT have received an enormous boost by securing the services of former Australian international lock forward Warwick Waugh in perhaps the biggest-ever signing made by the province.

Waugh (33) has played 28 times for Australia, including in the 1995 World Cup, and will be a huge addition to Connacht as they prepare for the Celtic League and Parker Pen Challenge Cup.

Connacht coach Steph Nel said the signing of the 6ft 8in, Waugh was a major boost. “The average age of our squad is 22 and in order to bring on and develop young talent you need experience around them. Waugh will provide that and a lot more to Connacht,” he said.

Connacht had been looking for an experienced second row after losing former skipper Mark McConnell to injury last season. Waugh, who comes to Connacht having helped Beziers reach the Heineken Cup at the end of two years in France, has a wonderful career that saw him win 59 caps for NSW Waratahs, 11 caps for ACT Brumbies and 11 caps for Queensland Reds.

He helped Queensland reach the Super 12 semi-finals before moving to Bath in the 1999-2000 season before signing for Beziers. “I am really looking forward to my time with Connacht. I played for Beziers against them two seasons ago and I am well aware of the amount of progress the side has made under Steph Nel. I just hope to add my contribution to the side for what promises to be an exciting season,” said the former Wallaby.

Waugh is set to make his debut for Connacht in their opening pre-season game of the season, against Bristol Shoguns at the Galway Sportsground on Wednesday August 14 (kick-off 6pm).

After that they travel to meet Warren Gatland’s Wasps on Sunday August 18, at Adams Park in High Wycombe, before entertaining Munster at the Sportsground on Thursday August 22, in their final warm-up match.

Connacht will open their competitive campaign when they travel to Selkirk to take on new Scottish side Borders in the Celtic League.