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Rugby

28th May 2018

Connacht coach Andy Friend signs 21-year-old winger from New Zealand as first signing

Jack O'Toole

Connacht coach Andy Friend has announced that the club have signed 21-year-old Waikato winger Sevu Reece for next season.

The Fijian will become Friend’s first signing since he was appointed Connacht head coach last week with Reece set to join the western province at the conclusion of Waikato’s Mitre 10 Cup run later this year.

Reece was born and raised in Fiji and moved to New Zealand in 2014 and attended Hamilton Boys’ High School.

He was the youngest member of the Provincial Barbarians side that played against the Lions in the opening game of their tour of New Zealand last summer and he said that he will try to do everything he can to bring more success to the club.

“I am really pleased to be signing for Connacht next season,” said Reece.

“Connacht is a proud club with a passionate support and I am looking forward to meeting the fans and my new team mates when I arrive there at the end of my season with Waikato. I will be doing everything I can to bring more success to the province.”

Reece will join Tiernan O’Halloran, Cian Kelleher, Niyi Adeolokun, Matt Healy and Rory Scholes in a talented three-quarter line at the club next season and Friend said that he is happy to have him on board.

“We are delighted to announce that Sevu Reece will be joining Connacht ahead of the 2018/19 season. He is an exciting attacking player who will be a further addition to our back line next season.”

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