Connacht sign Australian international

Connacht Rugby have signed Australian international centre Kyle Godwin from Super Rugby side the Brumbies.

The Zimbabwean born 25-year-old joined the Brumbies in 2016 having previously played for Western Force. In 2014 Godwin was recognised as the Western Force most outstanding player with the inaugural Nathan Sharpe Medal, Members’ Most Valuable Player Award and Rising Star Award.

Since earning his first cap for Western Force at the age of 19 he has since gone on to make 66 Super Rugby appearances.

Godwin’s has one senior cap for the Wallabies, when he played against France in November 2016, but hasn't featured for Michael Cheika's side since. Prior to that Godwin had also represented Australia at U20 level in 2012 at the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa and the Australian Schoolboys in 2009.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Brumbies but feel that the end of the season is the right moment for me to challenge myself by heading overseas,” Godwin said of the Connacht announcement.

“The Brumbies is a very special club and I’ve made lots of great friends during my time in Canberra. There’s often talk about the Brumbies family, and it really is one big family, they made me feel very welcome on and off the field.

“The opportunity to join Connacht was one that really intrigued me both personally and professionally and, whilst I am sad to leave the Brumbies, I am excited and looking forward to a new challenge.

“We still have much to play for this season however, and I will be determined to help the club succeed in Super Rugby and am fully committed and concentrating on the rest of this season starting with our huge match against the Waratahs on 31 March.”

Godwin will join the Irish club at the conclusion of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

"I am really pleased to be joining Connacht and I’m looking forward to getting there and meeting my new team mates. I have had a fantastic few seasons with the Brumbies and am really grateful to everyone at the club for my time there. It will be a new challenge playing in the PRO14 but I know Connacht are really ambitious about their plans for the future and I hope to play a significant part in that over the next few seasons."

Commenting on the signing of Kyle Godwin, CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane said: "We are delighted to announce the signing of Kyle Godwin ahead of the 2018/19 season. Kyle is a highly rated player with significant Super Rugby experience and we are excited by what he will bring to our midfield as we target further success in the seasons ahead."