Connacht have confirmed the signing of Ireland international Ciarán Frawley from Leinster on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old – who has moved between out-half, centre, full-back and wing for province and country – had been linked with a move out west, with Leinster senior coach Jacques Nienaber refusing to deny the speculation earlier this month.
He now links up with former Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster at Dexcom Stadium.
The Skerries native made his Leinster debut in 2018 and clocked up over 100 appearances for the province in that time across a number of positions in the back line.
He played the full 80 minutes in Leinster’s gritty 13-8 win over Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday, his ninth outing in blue this term.
Frawley made his international bow in August 2023 against Italy and the following year memorably landed two late drop-goals when Ireland beat South Africa in the second Test in 2024.
However he has slipped down the Ireland pecking order since then and hasn’t featured against a tier one side since November of last year.
He did appear as a replacement against Portugal last summer and has nine caps to his name.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent Connacht on and off the field from next season,” he said.
“I can’t wait to link up with Stuart again, meet all my new teammates and the wider staff next summer, and help the club bring success to the province in the years ahead.
“I’ve loved my time at Leinster and I’m really appreciative for all the support from the fans, coaches and team-mates over the last seven years. There’s still a lot of work to do and I’m looking forward to finishing the season strongly before the move to Galway in the summer.”
Head coach Lancaster has hailed the signing as a “statement of intent” by the westerners.
“Ciaran’s arrival next season is a real statement of intent by the club,” he said. “I know him well from my time in Leinster and I saw him grow from an academy prospect into a key member of the senior squad and play for Ireland also.
“He’s still only 28 so I firmly believe his best days are still ahead of him, and I’m delighted that the club have been able to secure a player of his calibre. He will be a big asset in the years ahead and personally I am really excited about working with him again.”
