'Not many players make a successful transition from sevens' - Ruaridh McConnochie defies odds to sign long term deal

Ruaridh McConnochie has signed a new long-term contract with Bath.

McConnochie has enjoyed a breakthrough first season in the West Country since his arrival from a successful spell on the Sevens circuit, where he won a silver medal in Rio at the 2016 Olympic Games.

The 27 year-old has shown a great desire to develop his game over the course of the last 12 months, which he has shown in abundance over the course of the 2018/19 season.

Since making his Gallagher Premiership debut in November, McConnochie has been a regular feature in the starting line-up scoring six tries and capped off an impressive campaign scooping three awards at the Bath Rugby Annual Awards Evening in May.

McConnochie said: “It’s been a whirlwind of a year, but I’ve loved being in this city and being in such a great environment at Bath Rugby. When I joined last summer, my focus was to learn the game and if I got the opportunity it was about making the most of it. The experience so far has exceeded my expectations and I’m looking forward to what’s to come for us as a Club.  

“There’s a great deal of excitement going into next season with the new coaching setup and Hoops at the helm. I feel it will bring the best out of us as a playing group and I am confident that we can collectively deliver those winning performances on a consistent basis.”

Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper added: “To have agreed a long-term deal with Ruaridh is a statement of intent from not only the Club, but from him too. He has been outstanding from the outset, but the exciting part is that there’s still so much growth in his game.  

“Not many players make a successful transition from sevens, but the way Ruaridh has acquitted himself shows the many qualities he has as a player and a person. His ability to beat the first defender and try scoring were clear to see throughout the season, but it’s the unseen work that will take him to the next level.”