Byron Ralston will be leaving the Western Force to join Connacht Rugby at the end of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The winger, who is currently with the travelling squad on the east coast, will link up with the Galway-based United Rugby Championship side after spending three memorable years in Perth.
Having joined the Force in 2019, Ralston will go down in the history books as scorer of the club’s first try back in Super Rugby competition when he crossed over against the NSW Waratahs at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 11 July 2020.
Ralston, who was a part of the NRC title-winning side in 2019, said he relished his three years in WA.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Western Force, as well as exploring Western Australia,” Ralston explained.
“I’d like to thank TIm Sampson for guiding and developing me into the rugby player and person I am today and the Sea of Blue for their passionate support. “To all my teammates I've had the honour of pulling the jersey on alongside, thank you for having my back both on and off the field. I leave having gained a second family and a second home.
“Finally, thank you to the Western Force for giving me the opportunity to live out a childhood dream of playing Super Rugby.”
General Manager of Rugby Matt Hodgson said it’s been fantastic to see Ralston develop with the Force over the past few seasons.
“Byron has been a great contributor on and off the field throughout his time at the club, especially in 2020 during our first season back in Super Rugby,” Hodgson said.
“Byron will always be a part of the Force family and I’d like to wish him the very best of luck in his new chapter in Ireland.”
