Connacht Rugby announced this week that they have signed Australian winger John Porch ahead of the 2019/2020 season.
John Porch has personal ties to the Connacht Rugby crew going back to when Andy Friend recruited him into the Austrial sevens back when Friend was head coach of the Australian team in 2016.
Playing for Australia, Porch racked up 96 point in his first nine appearances and secured himself a slot at the Rio Olympics, which he followed up with another 28 tries in the 2017/18 World Series.
Commenting on the signing Andy Friend said that he was “extremely impressed” with Porch’s performance when he first saw him play in the Australian Sevens.
“He was a hugely impressive player at sevens level, and I believe that he will suit the style of play and culture in Connacht as we prepare for the season ahead”.
For his part Porch said that he was excited about signing for Connacht and working with Friend again, “I obviously know Andy from his time with the Australia Sevens programme and he gave me my debut in 2016”.
“The possibility of playing Champions Cup rugby in the Sportsground next season is an opportunity I just couldn’t turn down.”
“I’m looking forward to getting over to Ireland now and linking up with the squad,” he added.
Following the latest signing Friend said that a large number of contract extensions and new members of the squad have brought depth to the Connacht side.
“We have already announced the signing of Paddy McAllister, Tom Daly, Stephen Fitzgerald, Angus Lloyd and Rory Burke in addition to Paul Boyle, Conor Fitzgerald, Matthew Burke, Conor Kenny and Stephen Kerins who have graduated from our Academy this season.”
“We have also had a huge focus on retaining our existing talent with contract renewals for many of our internationals and more senior players in the squad”.
Early bid tickets for the 2019/2020 season are now on sale from Connacht Rugby with savings of more than 50 percent available.
