Connacht Sign Irish-Qualified Lock Maksymiw From Leicester

Connacht have announced the signing of young Irish-qualified lock Joe Maksymiw from Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Joe Maksymiw is a product of the Leicester Tigers Academy and made his first senior appearance for the club against the Barbarians in 2014. This season he featured in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and made his Aviva Premiership and Champions Cup debuts for the club.
 
A former student at De Lisle College and Wyggeston College, Maksymiw gained his first senior rugby experience with Leicester Lions at National League level. In the 2015/16 season he also played in the Championship for Doncaster where he spent a period on loan. The 22-year-old was part of England Under-18s’ tour to South Africa in 2014.
 
Commenting on the province’s latest signing, Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy said: “Joe is an exciting young player who we are looking forward to having in our squad next season. He is a big powerful lock who has progressed well at Leicester and he will be a good addition to Connacht Rugby.”
 
Maksymiw admitted: “I am hugely excited about signing for Connacht and cannot wait to get over to the Sportsground and join up with the squad.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with Leicester and would like to thank them for developing me as a player over the past few years. I know there is huge ambition within Connacht Rugby to bring further success to the province and I hope to contribute to that next season.”