Connacht sign USA fly-half MacGinty

Editor

Connacht have recruited USA international fly-half AJ MacGinty for the 2015/16 season.

MacGinty started three of the USA's pool B fixtures in the Rugby World Cup and despite a winless campaign the 25-year-old kicked 25 points for the Eagles to bring his tally to 90 in eight international appearances.

He earned his first cap against Samoa in the opening round of the 2015 Pacific Nations Cup, kicking 11 of his side's 16 points. 

MacGinty met with his new Connacht teammates at the Sportsground in Galway on Monday and will join full training with the squad on Tuesday.

Head coach Pat Lam said: "As a young Irish player playing abroad, AJ has been on our radar for quite some time now and we have been watching his games closely since he first played in the PNC during the summer.  

"His performances in the Rugby World Cup were impressive and we're very pleased that he's now joining Connacht. 

"AJ adds to our options at fly-half and we expect him to bring with him his experience of playing at the highest level. His skillset compliments our game and he has shown that he can execute the basics of kicking and passing in high pressure situations.

"I had the chance to meet him properly last week and discuss his future.  He's an extremely ambitious and determined young man when it comes to his continued development as a rugby player. That lined up with our own programme and what we are doing here at Connacht so we are really excited to have him on board and we know that he will add a great deal to our environment. "

Commenting from the Sportsground, AJ MacGinty said: "I am very happy to join Connacht for the season ahead. This is a great opportunity for me to develop as a player under the tutelage of Pat and his impressive coaching team. I can't wait to get started."