Ray of light for Connacht, Ofisa extends contract

By Sea_point
December 6 2006

Major news for all Connacht supporters emanates from headquarters as our summer signing flanker Ray Ofisa, who has been outstanding since arriving in Ireland in October, has signed a two-year extension to his contract.

 

 A Connacht legend in the making...?

Coach Michael Bradley says that the 26 year old has been the ‘find of the season’ for Connacht and they have not delayed in working out a deal that will keep him at the Sportsground until the summer of 2009 at least.

“He has added a new dimension to our play. Ray has settled in very quickly and we are delighted that he will be with us for at least two more seasons after this one. He is a quality player,” said Bradley.

 

“There is a lot of competition in our back row. Ray got his chance when Matt Lacey got injured and Matt is now playing very well for Galwegians and putting Ray under pressure. That is the sort of competition you want.

 

“We are putting our squad together for next season and beyond and expect to be making a few more announcements in the coming weeks,” added Bradley.

 

Ofisa made his debut for Connacht against Ulster in October and has been outstanding since then.

 

Born in Samoa, he moved to New Zealand when he was 19 to further his rugby career.

 

“After school in New Zealand I played for the Colts U21 team in Otago, before joining North Otago. I have enjoyed my rugby since coming to Connacht and am looking forward to the next few seasons here,” said Ofisa.

 

Ray is quickly establishing himself as supporters favourite with his silky footballing skills, pace, abrasiveness and particularly his sportsmanship. Ofisa received the plaudits from Munster supporters on Sunday as he came to the aid of stricken Munster player Barry Murphy who had received a nasty knock to the head, as play was continuing around the fallen Munsterman Ofisa attended to and protected the young player from further injury until the referee finally realised the severity of the players injury and stopped the game.

 

This is the standard that Connacht Supporters expect from their players, and if Ray can maintain his level of performance it will no doubt motivate and benefit those around him.....