Done deal.

Connacht Rugby have this afternoon announced the signing of Irish hooker Adam McBurney from Edinburgh Rugby for the 2024/25 season.

McBurney arrived at Edinburgh in 2021 and has made 24 appearances for the Scottish side in that time. The Ballymena native recently represented Gloucester where he joined on loan in March, playing three times for the Gallagher Premiership side and scoring a try on his first start against Bristol Bears.

Irish rugby fans will be most familiar with McBurney because of his time at Ulster, where he played 43 times from 2017 to 2021.

He came through the Ulster Academy and was named Ulster Youth Player of the Year in 2014, and also featured for Ireland at the 2016 Under 20 World Championship.

“I’m really looking forward to making the move to Connacht next season,” McBurney said.

“I’ve had positive discussions with Pete and his team there and I’m really impressed by where the club is going and the potential for me to make an impact there. I can’t wait to move back to Ireland, get settled and help the club achieve success.”

Connacht Head Coach Pete Wilkins added:

“Adam is a player with a huge amount of experience gathered in a relatively short period. He’s still only 27 but has played URC, Premiership, Champions Cup and Challenge Cup rugby so will have plenty to offer us. We look forward to welcoming him to Connacht and providing an environment for him to continue to grow his game, and I’ve no doubt he will become an important member of the squad next season.”