Connacht confirm second new signing in ex-Ulster forward with ‘plenty to offer’
Dam Health Stadium Edinburgh.Scotland UK.5th Oct 21. Edinburgh Rugby Adam McBurney training session for DHL Stormers match . Credit: eric mccowat/Alamy Live News
Connacht have announced the signing of former Ulster hooker Adam McBurney, who will join the province from United Rugby Championship rivals Edinburgh next season.
McBurney arrived at Edinburgh in 2021 and has played 24 games for the Scottish outfit in that time. However, he has struggled to nail down a regular spot in the 23.
That led to the ex-Ulster hooker heading to the Premiership to join Gloucester on a short-term loan contract in March, where he made three appearances for the side.
Connacht move
His stint at Ulster saw him playing 43 matches from 2017 to 2021 and he will be determined to impress for Connacht as he makes a return to one of the four provinces.
“I’m really looking forward to making the move to Connacht next season,” said McBurney, who admits that he’s hugely excited about moving back to Ireland next term.
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“I’ve had positive discussions with Pete (Wilkins) and his team there and I’m really impressed by where the club is going and the potential for me to make an impact there. I can’t wait to move back to Ireland, get settled and help the club achieve success.”
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Connacht head coach Wilkins was delighted to complete the signing as he sees a good deal of potential in McBurney, who he expects to be a crucial squad member.
“Adam is a player with a huge amount of experience gathered in a relatively short period. He’s still only 27 but has played URC, Premiership, Champions Cup and Challenge Cup rugby so will have plenty to offer us,” he said.
Grow his game
“We look forward to welcoming him to Connacht and providing an environment for him to continue to grow his game, and I’ve no doubt he will become an important member of the squad next season.”
Connacht are not playing this weekend due to the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup semi-finals taking place but they return to action on May 11 away to Munster.