Andy Friend keen to mentor bright Aussie prospect

Connacht boss Andy Friend is relishing the prospect of working with Western Force winger Bryan Ralston, who is one of the club’s new signing. 

Ralston is qualified to represent Ireland and Friend sees a bright future ahead. 

“I think Byron’s going to offer a lot to us, as all those signings are,” said Friend. “Watching him for the Force… again, his agent let us know that he was Irish-qualified so you take a greater interest when you see that. 

“But he’s very athletic. He has been playing on the wing but he can play in the centres as well and actually has a desire to play outside centre which is a position that we need more coverage in, so that’s great. 

“He’s got youth on his side and he’s very, very keen. Probably the most important thing is you then talk to coaches that have coached him and they say he is very, very coachable. 

“He wants to come over here. He had other opportunities but a bit like Mack Hansen he wants to come over here and explore those Irish roots and see what opportunity presents itself here. 

“So I think he’s a great signing for us. There’ll be a bit of pressure because everyone else will be saying he is the next Mack Hansen, the poor bugger! Listen, you never know what he’s going to do.”