Rugby fans, brace yourselves for a major shake-up at Connacht! The Irish province is reportedly eyeing a bold move to sign New Zealand scrum-half Lisati Milo-Harris, a decision that could spell the end for two current players in the same position. But here's where it gets controversial: with Matt Devine heading to Ulster and Ben Murphy rumored to be Munster-bound, is Connacht making the right call by looking abroad for talent? Let’s dive into the details.
Connacht is considering a strategic addition to their roster with Kiwi scrum-half Lisati Milo-Harris, as the team prepares for the departures of Matt Devine and Ben Murphy. Devine, a 23-year-old standout from Garbally College, has made a notable impact this season, scoring three tries in eight games, including a memorable one in the Challenge Cup victory over Montauban. Despite his contributions, Devine has only started two games in the United Rugby Championship this season—a pattern that mirrors his limited starts last year. This lack of consistent playing time may have fueled his decision to move to Ulster, where he hopes to secure more regular starts.
And this is the part most people miss: Devine’s position at Connacht is already crowded, with talents like German Albert Lindner and Tomás Farthing waiting in the wings. This raises questions about squad management and player development—are Connacht’s homegrown stars being given enough opportunities to shine? Or is the team’s focus shifting toward importing talent?
Meanwhile, Ben Murphy, who earned two Ireland caps against Georgia and Portugal last summer, has been on Munster’s radar despite signing a contract extension in January 2025. His potential departure adds another layer of intrigue to Connacht’s reshuffling. Stuart Lancaster, Connacht’s head coach, has been active in the transfer market, already securing high-profile signings like Ireland and Leinster’s Ciarán Frawley and Bath’s Francois van Wyk for next season. Openside flanker Will Connors is also set to join from Leinster, further bolstering the squad.
Now, let’s talk about Milo-Harris. At 29, the New Zealander brings a wealth of experience, having played for Auckland, Taranaki, the Chiefs, Southland, the Blues, and Northland before joining Stade Montois in the Pro D2 last season. His six tries in 15 appearances for the Mont-de-Marsan side this season are impressive, especially considering the club’s 15th place in the 16-team division. But is he the missing piece Connacht needs, or is this move a gamble?
Here’s the controversial question: Should Connacht prioritize developing local talent like Devine and Murphy, or is bringing in international players like Milo-Harris the key to elevating their performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is sure to spark differing opinions!
