Connacht have no intention of being one-season wonders.
The men of the west may be losing Robbie Henshaw and Rodney Ah You to domestic raiders this summer, but Pat Lam’s men are recruiting in a manner befitting PRO12 leaders.
On Monday they announced the signing of Springbok fly-half Marnitz Boshoff on a two-year deal. AJ MacGinty is currently running the show for Connacht in the absence of Jack Carty, who ruptured his spleen last month.
The recruitment of the South African from Super Rugby franchise the Lions is a major coup and will allow Carty and MacGinty to develop alongside the experienced 27 year old.
With 29 Super Rugby caps and a single cap for South Africa, awarded in 2014, the accurate Boshoff is the latest in a list of high-profile southern hemisphere signings, following in the footsteps of Kiwis Jake Heenan, Craig Clarke and Bundee Aki.
Boshoff made his Super Rugby debut in in a man-of-the-match performance in the opening round of the 2014 season, scoring all the Lions’ points – including a last-minute drop goal – to help them beat the Cheetahs 21-20 in Bloemfontein.
Head coach Lam, who has had to absorb the loss of homegrown hero Henshaw to Leinster, was obviously delighted with the signing.
“In the context of where we are and where we are planning to be, Marnitz is an important signing for our squad. A lot of time and research went into identifying the right, experienced outhalf to fit the profile we were after,” he said.
“Marnitz is not only a proven and reliable goal kicker with an outstanding kicking game, but his game management has seen the rise of the Lions in Super Rugby over the last three seasons as well as him leading the Golden Lions to Currie Cup success.”
Commenting on the move himself, Boshoff said he has been researching his new employers.
“I’ve watched a lot of the Connacht games this season. The rugby they are playing is really exciting and I believe that I can fit in to the structure and add something as well. I can’t wait to get stuck in.
“It’s a big move for myself and my wife Monique but we’re really looking forward to meeting everyone and settling into life in Ireland.”
The big question now is whether or not the former Barbarian will be joining the PRO12 champions?
