Irish-qualified ex-England U20 centre Piers O'Conor agrees URC switch

Bristol Bears centre Piers O’Conor has signed for Connacht in the United Rugby Championship ahead of next season.

The Australian-born back has spent the last six seasons at Bristol after signing from the Championship’s Ealing Trailfinders in 2018, and has gone on to make 137 appearances to date, scoring 36 tries.

The 28-year-old qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather, and represented Ireland at U19 level. He also qualifies for Australia and England, and played for England U20 in 2015. He was also selected by Eddie Jones for England in 2019 in an uncapped fixture against the Barbarians.

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This move means the versatile back is a step closer to representing Ireland, but he will no longer be eligible to be selected by England as he will not be playing in the Gallagher Premiership.

Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam, who signed O’Conor in 2018, said after his departure was announced: “Piers has been a fantastic servant to this club, with more than 100 appearances and countless important performances during his six years with us. His journey from the Championship to being a Bears centurion shows how hard he has worked and developed.”

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O’Conor added: “I’ve absolutely loved my time with Bristol Bears and have made some friends for life here. From winning the Challenge Cup to finishing top of the Premiership, I’ll take some very fond memories with me into the next chapter of my career.

“I leave the Bears programme a better player and will always be proud of the contribution I’ve made.”

O’Conor’s future head coach Pete Wilkins said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Piers to Connacht Rugby from next season. He’s an outstanding player with a wealth of experience in the Premiership and European rugby, and his versatility will perfectly complement our existing options across the outside backs.

“I’m sure he’ll receive a warm welcome from the players and supporters when he joins us in time for pre-season in the summer.”