Connacht and the IRFU have announced the recruitment of back-row forward Nepia Fox-Matamua for next season.
The New Zealand-born flanker, who has played for ITM Cup side Auckland, has signed a two-year deal with the Irish province.
Debuting for Auckland in 2012, Fox-Matamua returned to the provincial squad in 2014 after a year-long spell with North Harbour, where he also played sevens rugby.
The 23-year-old will arrive at Connacht for the beginning of the pre-season period in June.
Connacht head coach Pat Lam said: "We're delighted to be in a position to announce Nepia. With Willie (Faloon) returning to Ulster, another quality openside flanker was needed for next season's squad.
"I have worked with Nepia at Auckland. He is a great team man and having captained different sides in his young career, he also possesses excellent leadership qualities.
"Technically he is an out-and-out number seven with natural ball skills that have seen him excel in sevens rugby as well.
"I know that he is the type of player and person that will fit in very well to the Connacht community."
