Connacht Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand back Sam Gilbert from Super Rugby side the Highlanders.
The 26-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience in the highest level of southern hemisphere rugby. He has made 56 Super Rugby appearances for the Dunedin-based outfit, scoring over 320 points, including 13 tries. Known for his versatility, Gilbert has primarily played as a full-back with kicking responsibilities this season, but is equally adept at inside centre, the wing or out-half. He began his provincial career with Canterbury where he played mainly as a #10. He made his Super Rugby debut with the Highlanders in 2020, starting on the wing in the first round of Super Rugby Aotearora. Since then, he has been an ever-present feature in the Highlanders matchday squad, making 45 starts. In 2024 he made two appearances for the All Blacks XV representative side, coming off the bench against Japan in both games. From 2020-2024 he also featured regularly for Otago in the National Provincial Championship, with 6 tries across 27 starts.
Sam Gilbert says: “I’m delighted to be joining Connacht Rugby and taking on a new challenge. I’ve loved my time with the Highlanders and will always be grateful for what the club has done for me! After speaking with Connacht, I believe this is the perfect club for me moving forward in my career. They play a brand of rugby that is entertaining and exactly how I want to play the game, and I know there’s the new HPC and stadium, which looks incredibly exciting too. I can’t wait to make the move, get settled in the province and meet my new teammates and wider staff and supporters in the months ahead.”
