It’s been a busy transfer window for the PRO14 league with a number of clubs gearing up impressively for the new season.
Andy Friend and John Mulvihill’s arrival at Connacht and Cardiff Blues respectively have seen those two sides bring in some big names while Joey Carbery’s controversial switch from Leinster to Munster has also been a big talking point.
Here we pick out five of the biggest moves of the summer.
JOEY CARBERY (Leinster to Munster)
Ireland’s heir apparent to Jonny Sexton made the sensational move to Munster after talks with Ulster opened up the conversation of him leaving his native Leinster. The coup by Johann van Graan will bolster a Reds’ backline with a lot of potential out wide, but lacking a key to unlock this prowess. The 22-year-old playmaker has played 12 Tests for Ireland since his debut in 2016.
Kyle Godwin 🐴 189
— Plus500 Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) July 25, 2018
Wish you the best of luck with @connachtrugby KG! We’ll never forget your parting gift against the ‘Tahs 🔥 #BrumbiesTogether #ThanksKyle pic.twitter.com/Dw9m3OMWna
KYLE GODWIN (Brumbies to Connacht)
New Connacht boss Friend has pulled off quite a coup with the arrival of the former Western Force and Brumbies centre. At just 25 the hard running mid-fielder is in his prime but with his Wallabies’ chances limited, he has taken the bigger payday in Ireland. Will be a real handful for opposing defences.
SIGNING > Moldovan prop Dimitri Arhip has signed for @cardiff_blues ahead of the 2018/19 season pic.twitter.com/u2T5Fmyl9z
— James Grant Rugby (@JamesGrantRugby) July 3, 2018
DMITRI ARHIP (Ospreys to Cardiff Blues)
The Moldovan tighthead has made the short trip east from Swansea to Cardiff to link up with new coach Mulvihill. The 29-year-old arrives at the Arms Park following five seasons at the Ospreys, where he has made 91 appearances and developed into one of the hottest “prop-erties” in Europe. Along with Samu Manoa’s arrival adds some real power at scrum time.
Well, looks like the sniper in the stands was fairly accurate. Thank you everyone @scarlets_rugby for the last five years. It’s been an absolute pleasure. I’ve made memories and friends to last a lifetime. Diolch yn fawr
— John Barclay (@johnbarc86) May 20, 2018
JOHN BARCLAY (Scarlets to Edinburgh)
The joyous news of the Scotland captain’s return home was greatly tempered in May when it was confirmed he would be sidelined for at least six months after undergoing surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. The 31-year-old back-rower sustained the injury in the Scarlets’ semi-final win over Glasgow last season and will miss the first few months of the new term. But he will be a huge boost to Edinburgh when he does take the field.
Sad to say goodbye to such a @scarlets_rugby legend Scott Williams has been a credit on and off the field pic.twitter.com/TGPTHsaJUS
— Mike Pearce Rugby (@MPsportsdragon) May 5, 2018
SCOTT WILLIAMS (Scarlets to Ospreys)
The impressive Wales centre moves to Swansea on a three-year deal. The 27-year-old, who has 57 test caps, swaps with Ospreys centre Kieron Fonotia who moves in the opposite direction. It will be interesting to see how Williams performs without the talents of Jonathan Davies and Hadleigh Parkes alongside him, and his combination with fly-half Sam Davies will be telling for his new region.
