Connacht Rugby's new-season squad continues to be boosted with the addition of two players - an Ireland Sevens, and a former Leicester Tigers backrow.
Andrew Smith is the latest exciting signature for head coach Peter Wilkins. The former Leinster Academy player comes via the Sevens programme, most recently having competed in the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, during which time he scored 21 tries in 69 matches.
He has also featured for the Emerging Ireland XV, and as a back three player, he started against the Pumas in Bloemfontein in October 2022, and won an Energia All-Ireland League medal with Clontarf last season.
Now 22, Smith played for the U20s in the 2020 Six Nations, scoring two tries in three appearances, and will add to Connacht's three-quarters, which also boasts Tiernan O'Halloran, Alex Wootton, John Porch, Mack Hansen, Oran McNulty, Diamuid Kilgallon and Adam Byrne.
Wilkins believes Smith is a player Connacht fans will enjoy.
"Andrew is exactly the type of player who will excite the Connacht supporters, and he will complement the style of rugby the province is known for," Wilkins says.
"He’s still young, but has a lot of experience under his belt on the Sevens circuit, and we’ve seen his XV's potential with Leinster and Ireland U20s. I’m sure he’ll be a great addition for us."
Smith, who boasts both power and pace, says he is looking forward to the next chapter in his career.
"It has been an incredible experience being a part of the Irish Sevens team. I am proud of our achievements together and the opportunity to be a part of a special group of players. After speaking with Pete Wilkins and Tim Allnutt, the opportunity of joining Connacht was something incredibly exciting. I am looking forward to growing as a player and an individual."
Wilkins has also boosted his back row options with New Zealander Sean Jansen - the 23-year-old having spent two seasons with Leicester Tigers, where he started five matches of 11 in which he played, scoring five tries.
A product of Otago Boys’ High School, Jansen is regarded as a versatile back row player, although used mainly as a No 8 at the Tigers. He was on the North Otago team that lost the Lochore Cup final to Whanganui in the Heartland Championship, and was also part of the 2021 Otago development squad where he was named the forward of the year.
Jansen, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents who were born in Monasterevin and Belfast, is the second Kiwi to have come through North Otago loose forward, with a former fan favourite flanker Ray Ofisa having played more than 100 games for Connacht between 2007 and 2012.
Jansen says coming to Connacht is an "exciting opportunity".
“The prospect of playing in the URC and in front of such a passionate fan base is one that really appeals to me. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the people there, so I can’t wait to make the move over in the summer and do my bit to help the club succeed in the years ahead."
Wilkins says the club has been tracking Jansen for a while.
"The growth we have seen in his game since joining Leicester Tigers made it clear to us how much value he could add to our back row," Wilkins said.
"He brings enormous physicality in every game he plays. He carries and tackles hard, and his physical profile gives us something a bit different in that position.
"I’m delighted that he has chosen to join us and we look forward to him making a big impact next season."
