Connacht Rugby's recruitment drive for next season continues with the addition of two players from Down Under.
Byron Ralston from Australia's Western Force is an Irish-qualified three-quarters player who is also a former Australian U20 international.
Darwin-born, he moved to Brisbane where he played high school and club rugby before coming through the ranks at the Force where he made 14 Super Rugby appearances, scoring five tries. Prior to that he scored seven tries in eight games to help the team win the National Rugby Championship in 2019.
Ralston's decision to move to Connacht is one of "opportunity" he says, while also providing the chance to "reconnect with Irish roots".
"The style of rugby they [Connacht] play will suit me down to the ground. I’m obviously aware of the positive experience other Aussies have had after moving to Connacht, and so I will be doing all I can to make a similar impact and help the club achieve the level of success they are all working towards."
Connacht's Andy Friend says Ralston is player with great versatility.
"I'm delighted that Byron has chosen to further his career with us. He’s been playing as a winger for the Force, but also plays 13. Given he’s only 21, he will get a great opportunity to grow his game here and be an important part of our setup."
He is the second player from the Southern Hemisphere to sign up for next season, following the addition of New Zealand backrow player Shamus Hurley-Langton, who Friend has been "following for quite a while now".
"He's extremely powerful and offers us something a bit different to our other back row options next season. He's still only 21, so has the potential to get even better, so we're really looking forward to integrating him into the group and seeing what he can produce."
The Taranaki-born Hurley-Langton from the Manawatu Turbos joins former clubmate Tietie Tuamauga at the Sportsground.
Hurley-Langton has made an impression in his 18 appearances for Manawatu in both the Mitre 10 Cup and NPC in the last two years, named Rookie of the Year for 2020. Predominately a number 8, in recent years he has also covered both positions on the flanks.
Hurley-Langton says relocating to Galway was appealing.
"I’ve had a lot of discussions with Andy and the coaching team who spoke really well about what I could offer at the club. Connacht play a very attractive brand of rugby and the idea of relocating to the West of Ireland was one that appealed to me. I can’t wait to get settled, meet my new teammates and see what it’s in store for the future."
The two new additions bring to four new recruits to date, with wing Adam Byrne and prop Peter Dooley moving from Leinster to the Sportsground next season.
