Connacht have confirmed that the former New Zealand fullback Mils Muliaina will join the province on a one-year deal this summer.
Having already captured the promising young centre Bundee Aki from the Waikato Chiefs, the arrival of Muliaina continues Connacht coach Pat Lam’s eye-catching recruitment drive ahead of the new season.
The 33-year-old, who made 100 appearances for the All Blacks in a glittering international career, has been signed as a ‘player-mentor’ having previously played under Lam at the Auckland Blues and the Asia Pacific Barbarians.
Like Aki, Muliaina will link up with Connacht from the Chiefs at the end of the Super 15 season.
“This is an exciting time for me, making the move to Connacht,” Muliaina said this morning. “I’ve obviously had a good chat with some of the boys at the club — Nathan (White) and Clarkey (Connacht captain Craig Clarke) — and they’ve told me a good bit about the place.
“But I’ve learnt a lot about what to expect from my discussions with Pat. Myself and Pat have a very good working relationship. As well as Auckland, he coached the AP Barbarians team in June 2012 and I think the fact that I was still in decent shape after all those years surprised him.
"I have a good understanding about my role and what is expected of me at Connacht. I've heard a lot about the talented young backs at the club — guys like Robbie Henshaw — and I'm keen to help anywhere I can, both on and off the field.
“Being able to play some competitive football while also sharing my knowledge and helping Connacht to achieve their vision played a big part in my decision to move. I expect to learn a good bit from these young guys too and that’s exciting.”
Lam added: “I don’t think I need to point out how huge it is to have Mils Muliaina as our first All Black coming to represent Connacht.
“The second ever All Black and the first ever back to reach 100 test matches is some achievement but what’s incredible about Mils is the passion and professionalism he brings whenever he plays and I know he will bring that in the Connacht jersey.
“At the age of 33, he still has that hunger to play competitive rugby and before his surgery last month, he showed his quality and ability to keep playing at the top level in Super Rugby. It’s exciting to announce that we’ll have him on our team next season.”
