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USA Eagle AJ MacGinty has signed with Irish Provincial side Connacht after impressing during the last few months after being named as the Eagles’ flyhalf. MacGinty, 25, became USA eligible earlier in 2015 and quickly earned his way into a starting role with the team. The addition of MacGinty to the squad gave the USA consistency they had lacked at the position since it was manned by Mike Hercus in the mid-2000s.
MacGinty has eight caps for the USA, including three during the Rugby World Cup, and has scored a total of 90 points in international play. A native of Ireland who attended Blackrock College, MacGinty moved to the USA to pursue a Master’s Degree at Life University. The young flyhalf has provided a steady boot for a USA team that has struggled with their kicking game over the years.
He joins a Connacht side who has gotten off to a good start in the Guinness Pro 12 with a 3-1 record thus far this season.
“As a young Irish player playing abroad, AJ has been on our radar for quite some time now and we have been watching his games closely since he first played in the PNC during the summer,” said Connacht Head Coach Pat Lam in a release from the club. “His performances in the Rugby World Cup were impressive and we’re very pleased that he’s now joining Connacht Rugby.”
“AJ adds to our options at outhalf and we expect him to bring with him his experience of playing at the highest level. His skillset compliments our game and he has shown that he can execute the basics of kicking and passing in high pressure situations.”
