Being behind the Franks brothers, Ben and Owen, in the pecking order for the Crusaders he only made 2 Super Rugby appearances.
[1] He was signed as a project player, meaning he would make himself available to play for Ireland once qualified to by 3 years residency.
Borlase joined Irish province Connacht on loan in February 2012, to gain match time following injuries and to provide cover at prop.
[3] Borlase was recalled from his loan at Connacht and added to Munster's 2011–12 Heineken Cup squad in March 2012.
After leaving Munster, Borlase returned to New Zealand and joined Hawke's Bay to compete in the ITM Cup.