Versatile Kiwi backline star Sam Gilbert is joining Connacht from Super Rugby outfit the Highlanders in the summer.
Gilbert, 26, started his career as an out-half and in more recent times has been employed by his club as a a full-back with kicking responsibilities, but the province are getting a player who is comfortable playing all across the backline. He has made 56 Super Rugby appearances for the Dunedin-based outfit, scoring over 320 points - including 13 tries.
Gilbert cut his teeth with Canterbury, where he was played at out-half primarily, before making his Highlanders debut in 2020 when picked on the wing.
Since then he has been ever-present in the Highlanders matchday squad, making 45 starts, and in 2024 he made two appearances for the All Blacks XV representative side, coming off the bench against Japan in both games. Between 2020 and '24 he also featured regularly for Otago in the National Provincial Championship, with six tries from 27 starts.
“I’m delighted to be joining Connacht Rugby and take on a new challenge," said Gilbert. "I’ve loved my time with the Highlanders and will always be grateful for what the club has done for me.
"After speaking with Connacht I believe this is the perfect club for me moving forward in my career. They play a brand of rugby that is entertaining and exactly how I want to play the game, and I know there’s the new HPC and stadium which looks incredibly exciting too.
"I can’t wait to make the move, get settled in the province and meet my new teammates and wider staff and supporters in the months ahead.”
Connacht's URC play-off and Champions Cup qualifying hopes are hanging by the slightest of threads now as they are in 14th place in the table with the final games against Edinburgh - on Saturday night - and Zebre to come.
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