Schmidt backs Muliaina to give West a lift

Joe Schmidt believes Connacht’s capture of former All Black Mils Muliaina will benefit Robbie Henshaw and other young Irish backs already with the province.

Schmidt coached Muliaina with the Auckland Blues and said the signing of the 33-year-old would be a huge boost to Connacht and to young players there.

The Ireland coach briefly discussed the signing of the All Black with Henshaw yesterday when he met him at a function at NUIG, where the Connacht player is studying.