Connacht Rugby signs All Black star Centurion Muliaina

In a major overseas signing, Connacht Rugby secured the first ever All Black to play with the province.

Samoan-born Muliaina has signed a one-year contract with the IRFU. The 33-year-old has been signed as a player-mentor and will assist in developing young Irish talent at the club.

Connacht Rugby announced the news on their website, Facebook and Twitter page this morning.

In the statement, Head Coach Pat Lam talks about the importance of the signing. He says: "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.

"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."

Muliaina adds: "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."

Reactions:

@simonrug fair play 2 @connachtrugby sure pat lam made all the difference but says so much about state of welsh regional rugby at the moment

— Huw Davies (@huwdavies75) May 5, 2014

@connachtrugby fantastic signing, leadership and experience even more valuable than his rugby ability. Lam deserves massive credit #coup

— Emmet Ward (@wardy_e) May 5, 2014