Connacht sign hooker Reynecke

[TRF_Cymro]

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has confirmed the signing of South African hooker Ethienne Reynecke from Saracens on a two-year deal.

The front-rower has represented Sarries in the Aviva Premiership for the past two seasons and has previously played Super Rugby, Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup for the Lions, including an appearance against the British and Irish Lions in 2009.

The 29-year-old is back in South Africa on loan to the Stormers for the remainder of the Super Rugby campaign and will join Connacht at the end of the season.

"With Sean (Cronin) moving on at the end of the season we needed cover at hooker and we are very pleased to sign a player of Ethienne's calibre, especially in such a crucial position. He is an experienced player who we are confident can offer a lot to Connacht," Elwood said in a club statement.

Reynecke was as pleased about his future prospects at the Irish side.

"I'm very excited at the prospect of going to Ireland, especially Galway," he added.

"Connacht has shown this season they are serious about establishing a strong and successful rugby culture there, and I intend giving my all to contribute to the cause."

http://www.planet-rugby.co.uk/story/0,25883,3825_6844399,00.html​

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Connacht are rebuilding their pack out of necessity and seem to be doing a good job of it. Sean Cronin and Jamie Hagan were always going to be tough to replace but Connacht have thought outside the box and not tried to replace like with like.

Cronin's ball carrying will be missed but his lineout throwing won't. They've signed number 8 George Nauopu who'll pick up the ball carrying slack and Ethienne Reynecke comes with a decent reputation at hooker plus he can't be any worse a lineout thrower than the man he's replacing. Hagan is developing quickly into the rarest of animal's- a decent Irish tighthead. His replacement Rodney Ah You is a good player and they've brought in Stewart Maguire too. Then they've added depth in the backrow in the shape of TJ Anderson and Eoghan Grace which will allow Andrew Browne move into the second row and will also give them more scope to rest Ray Ofisa and Johnny O'Connor.

Their pack will be devoid of stars but will be a strong unit anyway.