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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Connacht swoop for Hawkshaw as the Dubliner is the latest Leinster player to head west

Connacht have swooped for their fourth signing from Leinster for next season with David Hawkshaw the latest to join.

Hawkshaw, who can play at no 10 and no 12, will move west in the summer along with fellow back Adam Byrne and forwards Peter Dooley and Josh Murphy.

Connacht boss Andy Friend has recently also added Shamus Hurley-Langton and the Irish-qualified Byron Ralston to his ranks for next year.

Hawkshaw, 22, admitted his ambition to play more senior games played into his decision. He has made nine appearances for Leinster, but the first one of this season was off the bench against Ulster last weekend.

An under-20s Grand Slam winning captain, Hawkshaw explained: "I understand that I now need to start getting games under my belt to add that extra layer of experience to my game.

"The chance to play with Connacht Rugby and to hopefully put my hand up for selection on a more consistent basis is all that I want and the rest is up to me. I look forward to doing that next season."

Friend is looking forward to working with the young Dubliner, who had previously played minor hurling for his county.

"David has the potential to be another exciting player for us," Friend said.

"He’s still young so will have the platform at Connacht to show what he can do, whether that be as an out-half or inside centre.

"His leadership attributes as shown during his time as captain of the Ireland under-20s are also clear to see."

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