Piers O'Conor joins Connacht Rugby

Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of Piers O’Conor from Bristol Bears for the 2024/25 season.

 The Irish-qualified 28-year old joins after a six-year spell in Bristol where he amassed 131 appearances and 35 tries. He played a major role in a period of success for the Premiership side, which included a Challenge Cup winners medal in 2020. He was also named man of the match in one of his two visits to Dexcom Stadium, when he featured against Connacht during the 2020/21 Champions Cup campaign.

Prior to joining the side he had spells at Wasps and Ealing Trailfinders. He also has experience at underage international level, featuring 10 times for the England U20s in 2015 while he also played for the Ireland U19s.

Primarily an outside centre, O’Conor can also play at full back or on either wing, further strengthening the options available to Pete Wilkins and his coaching team for the years ahead.

O’Conor is Irish-qualified through his grandfather, with roots in Roscommon as well as Dublin.

Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins says:

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming Piers to Connacht Rugby from next season. He’s an outstanding player with a wealth of experience in the Premiership and European rugby, and his versatility will perfectly complement our existing options across the outside backs. I’m sure he’ll receive a warm welcome from the players and supporters when he joins us in time for pre-season in the summer.”

Piers O’Conor added:

“I’m really excited to be taking the next steps of my career at Connacht. After chatting to Pete and the wider team I was really impressed by their plans, and the role I could play in the squad going forward. My first experience of Dexcom Stadium was during COVID when no fans were allowed in, but after coming back in January I was blown away by their passion and the deep connection they seem to have with the squad, so I can’t wait to represent them and the wider province from next season. I know there are exciting plans for the stadium as well, so I’m looking forward to seeing that come to life too.”