From the World Cup to Connacht to the English Premiership. It's been a interesting year for AJ MacGinty. The Dublin-born United States out-half has today agreed a deal to move to Sale Sharks next season as a direct replacement for Danny Cipriani who is heading back to Wasps at the start of the 2017/17 season.
Speaking about the move, the former Blackrock student was understandably keen to express his gratitude to Pat Lam and Connacht after an ideal season coming off the back of an impressive World Cup showing for America.
I am very excited to be joining Sale Sharks next season. They are a club with great ambitions, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.
I have really enjoyed my time at Connacht and would like to thank all the coaches, players, fans and staff for their support. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to Pat Lam, and I look forward to finishing the season as strong as possible.
All the best to @Aj_MacGinty in his move to @SaleSharksRugby for next season - https://t.co/KTaO1haJoS pic.twitter.com/P8tOswRiSh
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 31, 2016
Sale director of rugby, Steve Diamond, explained exactly why they decided that the 26 year old was the man for them.
We were alerted to AJ during the World Cup, and we have been watching his performances at Connacht. He is great in defence and has an 80% success-rate kicking his points.
Connacht, who are going through something of an out-half injury crisis at the moment have already confirmed that one cap South African international Marnitz Boshoff will arrive from the Lions on a two year contract beginning at the start of next season.
