IOANE EXCITES WILKINS
CONNACHT boss Pete Wilkins predicts a “fascinating” battle for the No.10 jersey between new boy Josh Ioane and Jack Carty.
JJ Hanrahan’s ACL injury — he won’t be back available until early 2025 — forced the westerners to look elsewhere.
After a move for Leinster young gun Sam Prendergast on loan didn’t happen, Wilkins swooped for once-capped All Black Josh Ioane from the Chiefs for this season.
Captain
Carty’s status as captain has been passed onto Cian Prendergast for this season and the experienced out-half can focus on his own game as the westerners look to bounce back from a disappointing 11th place finish last term.
The arrival of Ioane (below) will force the Athlone man to up his standards for the campaign ahead — which starts with the URC opener against Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday.
Wilkins smiled:
“It’s going to be fascinating, isn’t it? Who’s gonna come out on top, I couldn’t possibly say at this stage.
“I think they’re going to be pushing each other for selection, but also pushing each other to improve throughout the season.
“Jack obviously has that experience of the Northern Hemisphere game and the game management and particularly the kicking game associated with that, Josh brings that bit of X factor in terms of what he does on the ball.
“Josh also has an ability to play 12 or even slide in at fullback as well.
“So it’s going to be fascinating and I’m looking forward to it as much as anyone.”
Settled
Wilkins, who confirmed that he has a full squad available bar Hanrahan, said that Ioane has settled in very quickly.
“He’s made a great impression, it’s lifted the group, it’s certainly motivated Jack Carty because he’s also training fantastically well at the moment.
“So Josh has just been a real positive to the programme so far.”