Irish-Qualified Jansen To Join Connacht

Connacht Rugby have announced the signing of Irish-qualified number 8 Sean Jansen from Leicester Tigers.

Aged 23 and originally from Dunedin in New Zealand, Jansen joined the reigning Gallagher Premiership champions in January 2022 from Otago Rugby Football Union.

He has featured 15 times for Tigers, predominately at number 8 but can also play across the back row.

A powerful ball carrier, Jansen has scored five tries during his spell at Leicester and has made three appearances so far in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup.

Having grown up in New Zealand, he attended Otago Boys High and played junior rugby with North Island RFC, representing North Otago. In 2021, prior to joining Leicester, he was named Otago’s Development Forward of the Year.

Jansen has signed a two-year deal with Connacht and qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents who were born in Monasterevin and Belfast.

Commenting on the signing, Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said: “We had been tracking Sean’s career in provincial rugby in New Zealand, and the growth we have seen in his game since joining Leicester Tigers made it clear to us how much value he could add to our back row.

“He brings enormous physicality in every game he plays. He carries and tackles hard, and his physical profile gives us something a bit different in that position.

“I’m delighted that he has chosen to join us and we look forward to him making a big impact next season.”

Jansen added: “Joining Connacht is a very exciting opportunity for me. The prospect of playing in the URC and in front of such a passionate fanbase is one that really appeals to me.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the people there, so I can’t wait to make the move over in the summer and do my bit to help the province succeed in the years ahead.”