Edinburgh sign Piers O’Conor on two-year deal from Connacht

Edinburgh have continued their rebuild for next season by announcing the signing of former Bristol back Piers O’Conor from Connacht and the impending departures of several of their current squad.

The 29-year-old, who can play at centre, wing and full-back, will move to the Scottish capital this summer on a two-year deal.

Having already confirmed that experienced Scotland international quartet Jamie Ritchie, Dave Cherry, Ali Price and Matt Scott would be heading for pastures new at the end of the season, Edinburgh revealed on Wednesday that Emiliano Boffelli, Mark Bennett, Jamie Hodgson, Robin Hislop, Javan Sebastian, Jake Henry, Nathan Sweeney and Jack Hocking will also be moving on.

Born in Sydney and raised in England, O’Conor has started 15 of Connacht’s 17 United Rugby Championship matches this season since joining the Galway club last summer following six years with Bristol.

“Joining a club like Edinburgh is a big opportunity,” O’Conor told the Edinburgh website. “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.”

Head coach Sean Everitt said of his impending new arrival: “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.”

Everitt also paid tribute to those who will depart.

“As the season nears its end, we bid farewell to a group of players who have each contributed significantly to Edinburgh Rugby,” he said.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude for their unwavering efforts, their commitment to the jersey and the passion they’ve shown for this club and our supporters. Every player who departs does so with our best wishes for their future endeavours, both on and off the field.

“In particular, this season sees the departure of four true stalwarts of Edinburgh Rugby, our club centurions: Jamie Ritchie, Mark Bennett, Dave Cherry and Matt Scott. Their dedication and service to this club have been immense. Their names are forever etched in the history books of Edinburgh Rugby.”