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Reece at his 'happiest ever' six months on from ripped-up Connacht deal
By Online Editors
On-fire Crusaders wing Sevu Reece believes it was a blessing in disguise that PRO14 outfit Connacht ripped up his two-year deal last October before his arrival in Galway.
The Irish province took a dim view of Reece’s appearance in Hamilton District Court on one count of male assaults female, an incident involving his girlfriend in July last year.
He was discharged without conviction, fined $750, and suspended for one Mitre 10 Cup match, but the Irish club told him not to bother travelling over from New Zealand as he was no long wanted by them.
Despite finishing out the Mitre 10 Cup in try-scoring form for Waikato, Reece was initially unwanted by any of the Super Rugby franchises for 2019.
However, Israel Dagg’s ongoing injury issues, which ultimately led to his recent retirement from the game, led to a December call from the Crusaders for the Fijian-born winger who has gone on to score four tries for the club in as many Super Rugby appearances.
"At that moment, it was disappointing that I lost that contract. But now when I look back, I wouldn't have been fulfilling my dream of playing Super Rugby. I look back and put a big smile on my face because I'm chasing my dream," said Reece to New Zealand media.
"That [off-field incident] is in the past. All of that has been dealt with and now I'm just grateful for where I am today. I'm just going to keep working hard.
"At that moment [I signed with Connacht], I thought that was the best decision to make then. Now, looking back, I'm the happiest ever getting to fulfil my dreams.
"I'm lucky enough, you're just rubbing shoulders with All Blacks and some guys with real high experience. During training, you have little conversations with Ryan (Crotty), Richie (Mo’unga), even Dagg. I'm learning a lot,"
"Just [Dagg's] knowledge. My kicking game, especially. Because that's not been a strength of mine, but now I could say it is. He is awesome, just helps a lot.
“I've got a really good support crew here. Whatever you need, what area you need support in, it's always there. They always come and check on you, make sure you have everything sorted.
"Because I'm from Hamilton the only thing you think of is the Chiefs. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be playing for the Crusaders. But I'm the happiest ever.”
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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