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

Edinburgh have announced the signing of utility back Piers O’Conor from Connacht on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old, who is equally adept in the centres, wing and at full-back, will make the move to the Scottish capital this summer.

O’Conor has featured in 17 matches for Connacht – scoring three tries – since making the move to Galway last year. His impressive attacking prowess and versatility are highlighted by his current season statistics for Connacht, where he has recorded the most carries (159), metres gained (710), defenders beaten (32), and clean breaks (19 – seventh most in the URC) for the Irish province.

Speaking about his move to Edinburgh Rugby, O’Conor said: “I’m really excited to get started. Joining a club like Edinburgh is a big opportunity: it’s a new environment and a strong squad. It’s a great challenge and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, meeting the group, and doing my bit to help the team push on and win some silverware.

“It’s a fresh start and a move I’m looking forward to. Moving to a new city brings new opportunities, on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to get up there, get settled and get to work. Edinburgh’s a proper rugby city with a strong identity and I’m keen to make it home.”

He continued: “Edinburgh are tough to play against, always physical, always competitive, and that’s something I want to be part of. The group’s been playing some really good rugby, and I’m looking forward to adding to that. I’m excited to join up in the summer and push for a strong, successful season with the team.”

Sydney-born and English-raised, Piers O’Conor’s rugby journey began with international representation for Ireland U19 before his professional debut with Wasps in November 2014.

His development continued with England U20, where he played a crucial role in their 2015 U20 Six Nations triumph and their subsequent appearance in the Final of the 2015 World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy.

A successful stint with Ealing Trailfinders in the RFU Championship paved the way for a significant move to Bristol Bears in 2018.

During his impactful tenure with the Bears, O’Conor amassed 137 appearances, scoring 36 tries and contributing to their European Rugby Challenge Cup victory in 2020 and a first-place finish in the Gallagher Premiership.

His consistent high-level performances for Bristol were further recognised with a call-up to an England XV for an uncapped match against the Barbarians in 2019.

Edinburgh Rugby Head Coach Sean Everitt added: “Piers is exactly the type of quality operator we look for in a non-Scottish qualified signing. He’s an excellent player with the ability to cover multiple positions across the backline, which is hugely valuable for us in managing the demands of a long season.

“His arrival complements the recent re-signing/signing of exciting young Scottish backs like Harry Paterson, Jack Brown and Malelili Satala, and his experience and leadership will be invaluable in helping to get the very best out of other younger players coming through our academy system such as Lewis Wells, Findlay Thomson and Finlay Doyle. Piers isn’t here to block anyone’s progress; instead, we see him as a catalyst who will further improve those around him.

“His consistent performances and impressive statistics speak for themselves, and his experience and leadership qualities will be a significant asset to our squad both on and off the field. We can’t wait to welcome him to the club this summer.”