Josh Rowland

Josh Rowland (born 25 September 1988) is a New Zealand-born professional rugby union player who represents Ireland internationally. He plays primarily as a fullback and a wing. Rowland currently plays for Irish provincial side Connacht in the Pro12.

Rowland was born in Auckland. He attended Rosehill College. Rowland's grandmother came from Dublin in Ireland.

Club career

Career in New Zealand

Rowland has played at provincial level in New Zealand. He was part of the Counties Manukau development team that won the Northern Region Development Competition in 2012.

Rowland played for North Harbour in the 2015 ITM Cup, making seven appearances and scoring one try. During this time he also captained North Harbour's sevens team. Under Rowland's captaincy, the side made it to the final of New Zealand's national sevens competition, but were beaten by Counties Manukau.

Connacht

In July 2016, it was announced that Rowland had joined Irish provincial side Connacht.

International

Born in New Zealand, Rowland qualified to play for Ireland through his grandmother, who came from Dublin. In 2016, he joined the Ireland sevens squad. He made his first appearance for the side in a qualification repechage for the 2016 Rio Olympics, which took place in Monaco. Rowland also played in the Rugby Europe Trophy in July 2016, which Ireland won.