So just who is the new Saint Mark Connors?

Back or 2nd row
By Chris G
August 13 2002

With the announcement today that the Saints had completed their summer shopping list with the acquisition of Queensland and Wallaby forward Mark Connors, we ask just who is the man known Down Under as the 'Buzzard'

Mark Connors who arrives at the Gardens this month (after somewhat of a transfer saga with Bath that we will not go into here) is a highly experienced forward who can play either at blindside, lock or No.8. Just the type of player to ably fill the gap vacated by Tim Rodber over a year ago.

Rumoured to be known as the Buzzard in Queensland rugby circles Mark is a solicitor by trade and is a member of the Souths club. He played his state and Super 12s rugby for his native Queensland for whom he made his S12 debut in 1996 and has racked up three quarters of a century of games for his state scoring six tries in the process.

After an outstanding S12 season in 1999 he finally made his debut for the Wallabies against South Africa in the Tri-Nations after initially missing out due to injury when he was tipped for the top on the Aussies tour of the UK in 1996 after having come through the Wallaby U21 and Emerging team ranks.

He has played a total of twenty games for his country scoring two tries in the process. He was a World Cup winner in 1999, playing in every game, and in a round about way his heroics in the Bledisloe Cup of 2000 caused coach Wayne Smith to come to the Saints.

It was the 'Buzzards' lineout steal in Wellington that turned the game on its head and with it defeat for New Zealand which ultimately ended 'Smudgers' reign as the All Blacks coach prematurely.

Obviously with todays announcement the top man holds no grudges and Marks Connors becomes the last piece in Saints 2002/2003 jigsaw.

He should make his debut at Sale on the last Friday of the month. Be there!

I am sure you join me in wishing Mark every success at the club.