Piers O’Connor in action for Connacht versus Glasgow Warriors earlier this season. Image: © Craig Watson –
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EDINBURGH have signed utility-back Piers O’Connor from Connacht on a two-year deal. The 29-year-old, who is equally adept in the centres, wing and at full-back, will make the move to the Scottish capital this summer.
Sydney-born and English-raised, O’Connor is not Scottish qualified, but the Edinburgh management team have decided that his versatility and experience can complement the stated strategy of growing the base of young players who are eligible to wear the dark blue of Scotland within their squad. His recruitment will have been signed-off by David Nucifora, the Scottish Rugby Performance Director.
“Piers is exactly the type of quality operator we look for in a non-Scottish qualified signing,” said Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt. “He’s an excellent player with the ability to cover multiple positions across the backline, which is hugely valuable for us in managing the demands of a long season.
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“His arrival complements the recent re-signing/signing of exciting young Scottish backs like Harry Paterson, Jack Brown and Malelili Satala, and his experience and leadership will be invaluable in helping to get the very best out of other younger players coming through our academy system such as Lewis Wells, Findlay Thomson and Finlay Doyle. Piers isn’t here to block anyone’s progress; instead, we see him as a catalyst who will further improve those around him.
“His consistent performances and impressive statistics speak for themselves, and his experience and leadership qualities will be a significant asset to our squad both on and off the field. We can’t wait to welcome him to the club this summer.
O’Conor started his pro career playing for Wasps, making a seven appearances for the now defunct English Premiership over three seasons between 2014 and 2017 season, then spent six seasons and made 132 appearances for Bristol, before joining Connacht last summer, playing in 17 matches to date and recording the most carries (159), metres gained (710), defenders beaten (32) and clean breaks (19) for the Irish province so far in this campaign.
He has played for Ireland Under-19s and England Under-20s, being part of the squads which won the 2015 U20 Six Nations championship and reacedh the the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy that summer. He also played on the right-wing for an England XV in an uncapped match against the Barbarians in 2019.
“I’m really excited to get started,” said O’Connor. “Joining a club like Edinburgh is a big opportunity: it’s a new environment and a strong squad. It’s a great challenge and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, meeting the group, and doing my bit to help the team push on and win some silverware.
“It’s a fresh start and a move I’m looking forward to. Moving to a new city brings new opportunities, on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to get up there, get settled and get to work. Edinburgh’s a proper rugby city with a strong identity and I’m keen to make it home.”
“Edinburgh are tough to play against, always physical, always competitive, and that’s something I want to be part of. The group’s been playing some really good rugby, and I’m looking forward to adding to that. I’m excited to join up in the summer and push for a strong, successful season with the team.”
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