Connacht back out of Sevu Reece deal

Waikato wing Sevu Reece will not be joining Connacht after the Irish province decided to pull out of the deal due to a domestic violence case.

A New Zealand court fined the 21-year-old but he was discharged without conviction after an incident which left his girlfriend with injuries to her face, waist and knee.

Reece initially agreed a contract in June and was set to join the Galway-based outfit following the conclusion of the Mitre 10 Cup, but Connacht and the IRFU have decided to withdraw the offer.

A statement read: “Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have taken the decision, following contact with Sevu Reece in relation to the circumstances of a recent court appearance, not to proceed with a contract to play with the province.

“Connacht Rugby and the IRFU will make no further comment.”