Following an approach from Ulster Rugby to re-sign 24yr old Niall O'Connor, Head Coach Eric Elwood met the player and an agreement was made to release Niall early from his two year contract.
With Miah Nikora, Matthew Jarvis and Academy star Jack Carty in situ, and the imminent arrival of Dan Parks, Connacht are well served at outhalf for next season.
Speaking of the move Niall said:
"I am very grateful to Eric and everyone at Connacht Rugby for making me feel so welcome this year and though I'm happy to be moving back to my home province I will miss being part of the club, especially with the Heineken Cup returning to Galway next season."
"I have enjoyed my time in Connacht and made a lot of great friends. They are team on the up and wish everyone every success next year."
Hailing from Limavady, Co. Derry, Niall will be re-joining the Ulster side where he earned 51 caps after gaining his first academy contract in 2007.
Niall joined Connacht at the start of the 2011/12 season on a two year deal and to date has appeared 20 times for the province, including five of Connacht's Heineken Cup pool games. He has scored 119 points this season and his last appearance was against Edinburgh in February where his personal haul of 11 points helped to secure an important Connacht victory in the Sportsground.
Head Coach Eric Elwood wished him well saying:
"Niall was instrumental in our first ever Heineken Cup campaign and has been a terrific player for us this season. Both on and off the pitch Niall has been an absolute professional a great asset to our club and we'd all like to wish him the very best in his return to Ulster."Press release from Connacht Rugby
© JL Pagano 2012
