In-form flying winger Wootton pledges his future to Connacht

By John Fallon

WINGER Alex Wootton said he is pledging his future to Connacht after his career took off again this season after arriving on loan from Munster.

The 26-year old is on a one-year loan deal at the Sportsground but Wootton said he is looking forward to making the move permanent after running in eight tries in 13 appearances.

Connacht coach Andy Friend made it clear earlier in the season that he was keen to hold on to Wootton and he’s delighted that the Macclesfield native sees his future in Galway.

“He has come in and he has been a breath of fresh air,” said Friend. “He has been brilliant, he is a lovely athlete, scored some great tries and knows his way to the try line which is what you want.  He has been a real addition to us this season and long may that continue.”

Friend said that the way Wootton has shone is a great example of how a player can flourish when getting game-time after moving from another province.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work it out but you only get better if you are playing. So if you’re not playing rugby somewhere try and find a place where you can play some rugby,” added Friend.

Wootton, who grew up in Prestbury village in Macclesfield which has been home to several Manchester United stars including Wayne Rooney and Wes Brown, initially joined the Northampton Saints academy but was called into the Irish U20 squad by Mike Ruddock.

Wootton’s father qualified for Ireland as his dad is from Down and he then joined the Munster academy before making seven appearances in his breakthrough season.

He followed that up with 19 starts and three off the bench in the 2017-18, but since then opportunities have been limited, partly through injury, for a player who was also capped at Sevens level for Ireland. He played just seven games in 2018-19 and featured only twice last season before his summer move up to Galway on loan.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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