Connacht have completed a deal to sign lock James Cannon form Aviva Premiership side Wasps.
Cannon played 93 matches for Wasps in six seasons at the Ricoh Arena after having begun his professional career at Northampton.
The 28-year-old, who was born in Kettering but who is qualified to play for Ireland, has been included in Connacht's European Champions Cup squad.
Cannon joined up with his new team-mates for the first time at the Sportsground today and said: "I'm very excited about the new challenge in Connacht and look forward to working hard to try to get more first-team opportunities and to play my part within the squad."
Coach Pat Lam believes the towering back-rower will be a valuable addition to the province’s engine room, saying: "James has been part of a competitive mix of second row players at Wasps but has shown his talent when given the chance.
“He brings a vast amount of experience from playing in both the Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup and will greatly boost our second row options.”
