ConnachtkeenonAussieout-half

CONNACHT are poised to sign former Australian U-20 out-half Andrew Deegan as incoming coach Kieran Keane strengthens his squad for the new season.

Deegan will come in as a replacement for former Springbok Marnitz Boshoff, who has departed after just one season.

The South African had an unhappy time at the Sportsground, making just four appearances after being the marquee signing in the defence of the PRO12 crown, and will not be returning for the second year of his contract following negotiations.

Connacht’s search for a replacement appears to have settled on the promising Australian Deegan who last year was drafted into the Waratahs development squad in pre-season.

The 22-year-old played for the Australian schoolboys in 2013 and was the Aussie out-half at the World Rugby U-20 Championship in Italy, a tournament where Joey Carbery announced his arrival for Ireland.

A native of Sydney and a product of the Randwick club, Deegan will battle primarily with Jack Carty and Steve Crosbie for the No 10 slot at Connacht.

Connacht will hope that Deegan will be as successful as the last time they dipped into the Australian market for an out-half, with Paul Warwick enjoying three successful seasons at the Sportsground before moving to Munster for four years.

Keane’s arrival in Galway has been delayed by the continued progress by the Chiefs, who meet the Crusaders in the Super Rugby semi-finals next weekend, with the new coach now expected at the Sportsground at the end of the first week of August.