Connacht have signed former Ireland rugby league player Api Pewhairangi for next season.
The 23-year-old New Zealander qualifies for Ireland through his Co Dublin born grandmother and he represented Ireland at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Pewhairangi played rugby union as a youth in Manawatu but switched to rugby league at the age of 17, when he moved to Wellington's Te Aroha Eels.
He has since played for Parramatta Eels and, most recently NZ Warriors.
"I am proud to be returning to Ireland, my grandmother's homeland,” said Api Pewhairangi.
“Joining Connacht is extremely exciting for me and I want to make a big impact".
Head Coach Pat Lam said: "At 23 Api has already achieved a lot on and off the field. He has played in the tough NRL competition, represented Ireland in the 2013 rugby League World Cup and graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree.
“He is keen for a new challenge in transitioning back to rugby union where he spent his youth playing.
“His professional rugby league experience will add another skill set to the squad and we look forward to him joining the squad for pre-season."
