In yesterday’s post, we looked at new Munster Rugby signing Roman Salanoa. In today’s post, we cast our eye on Matt Gallagher who joins the club from Saracens on a two year contract. The highly rated back three player is one to monitor next season and for me is the player who could surprise plenty next season.
Players Stats
Name: Matt Abramo Gallagher
Age: 23
Born: Sidcup, London.
Height: 1.86M (6ft 1 in)
Weight: 96 kg (15.1 st; 212 lbs)
Playing Career to date
Matt Gallagher’s talent for Rugby Union is no surprise given that his father is John Gallagher, a member of the New Zealand side who won the 1987 Rugby World Cup. Matt Gallagher is Irish qualified through his father. His grandparents are from Derry and Limerick respectively.
Early playing career highlights has seen Gallagher selected for England underage sides culminating in a U20 World Cup win in 2016 where England beat Ireland 45-21.
Club career has also soared high for Gallagher to date. He had an excellent loan spell with Old Albanian securing promotion to National League One (2015-16) and then Bedford Blues for the 2016-17 season. He was quickly called into senior team action for Saracens. His academy performances saw him secure the Player of the Year in 2015-16 season. A player who is well regarded within Saracens.
The player made his Saracens senior competitive debut against Ospreys in LV Cup action in November 2014. He has represented the Saracens senior side forty-four times and scored nine tries in the process between 2014-2020.
What to expect from the player
The twenty-three year ago brings plenty to the table. Gallagher is a player who will provide versatility to the squad. His primary position is full back and the expectation is that he will hit the ground running and provide massive competition to Mike Haley for the position.
Gallagher is equally comfortable on either wing and his aerial game is quite solid for such a young player. The player comes from Saracens where high work ethic and skill set are paramount. Gallagher will be keen to hit the ground running and provide management with early impressive cameos in training.
The Damian Allende signing is the marquee back signing for the Irish province but I think this signing needs to be closely monitored next season as I think this player will get sufficient game time. A player I am looking forward seeing in a Munster Rugby jersey next season. Welcome Matt from all at Hawkeye Sidekick!