A great signing. Lets hope he arrives fit and healthy.
Great work by all concerned. Sad to lose Mick Mc but this will help to fill the void
Well done

Connacht sign second row Craig Clarke

Craig Clarke

Connacht Rugby has captured a major international signing for the 2013/14 season to further strengthen the forward pack.

New Zealand born lock Craig Clarke, 29, who captained the Waikato Chiefs to the Super XV title last season, has signed a three year deal with the Irish province.

The 6 ft 7 in second row was outstanding in the Chiefs successful campaign last year and picked up the coveted trophy when he led his side in the 37-6 demolition of the Sharks in the final. His consistent, high class performances saw him pick up a string of accolades including nominations as one of three finalists for the ‘Super Rugby player of the year’ at the 2012 New Zealand Rugby Awards, selection for the Super XV team of the year and the Chiefs award for Players’ Player of the Year.

Because of his form throughout the Super Rugby season last year, the Chiefs skipper was also called into the All Blacks training squad. Clarke has turned out 57 times for the Chiefs and has also captained Taranaki during the 2011 ITM Cup.

Born in Masterton, at the southern tip of New Zealand's north island, Clarke initially made his mark with Canterbury and the Crusaders before moving to Taranaki in 2007. He played a single season with the Hurricanes before joining the Chiefs, where his leadership credentials became apparent.

Clarke represented the Junior All Blacks in their 2009 IRB Pacific Nations Cup campaign, his debut coming against Samoa. He then started against Japan where he scored a try for the side.

Connacht Rugby CEO Tom Sears said:

“We are absolutely delighted with this key signing - it is a major coup for Connacht. This is something we have been working towards for some time now and the fact a player of Craig’s calibre has chosen to commit to Connacht is a clear sign of the progress we have made and our intent going forward.

“Our coaching staff is delighted to have Craig on board, he has all of the qualities we are looking for on and off the field and we have no doubt that he will be a major influence for Connacht in the seasons to come. With a three year deal Craig has shown he really believes in what we are doing and the potential we have. After leading the Chiefs to the Super XV title last season Craig certainly wasn’t short of options – he has chosen Connacht because he wants to be a part of what is happening here.

“Our squad recruitment and retention programme for next season has gone very well. We still have a number of areas we are working on but this is a key part of the plan that has fallen into place.”

Anyone know a lot about Craig Ronaldson (think he plays for Landsdowne)? A lad I know saw him play in the Irish clubs team at outhalf against England and was very impressed with him. There's talk of him getting a few games with the Leinster A team next year and apparently he had a trial with Bath last year. With Nikora going and Carty not ready yet for 2nd choice outhalf he could be a good signing for us as he's IQ and could turn into a decent squad player.

Porterbelly wrote: It's Bernie Upton

Now, now, PorterTease, we'll start calling you really nasty names if you blaspheme like that again...

It's Bernie Upton

Andrew Gallagher has re-signed

Tell me it's Ali Williams!

PorterTease is at it again....

fatgav wrote: Anyone hear anything about a kiwi lock that is supposedly signed? I'm told its on Munsterfans

Great signing

Anyone hear anything about a kiwi lock that is supposedly signed? I'm told its on Munsterfans

Any ideas on NIQ locks that are out of contract this season??
Great work being done by the backroom staff.

Wonder when they announce the newbies signing? Probably after the Osprey's game if we need a pick me up.

Leinster's Ben Marshall is reported to have re-signed for them as well.

swift4prez wrote: potherbelly, would you know if he's a current international, former international or no caps at all?

Haven't heard a name, just heard that it's an impressive signing.

NIQ lock

chuter is reported to be signing for sale.

Still with Exeter and out with a broken arm, also he's NIQ (unless he has an Irish granny or wife or something), 31, and a loosehead so unless we're planning on moving Buckley to hooker or somat I don't really see it.

Stranger things and all that though

he's after signing a new contract with exeter