Connacht have confirmed the signing of back row Will Connors, with the 29-year-old following Ciarán Frawley in swapping Leinster for the Dexcom Stadium next season.
The flanker has agreed a two-year deal in Galway, reuniting with his former Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster at The Sportsground.
Connors, who started against his future side last Saturday, has made 62 appearances for Leinster in an injury-hit nine seasons, while he has also won nine Ireland caps.
The Kildare native earned his Test debut under Andy Farrell in 2020, and played every game for Ireland until suffering a serious knee injury during the 2021 Six Nations.
His bad luck with injuries saw him play just two games between March 2021 and September 2022.
"I've had a fantastic nine seasons with Leinster, and am very grateful for all that was achieved in that time," Connors said.
"I look forward to finishing the season strongly before making the move west in the summer and joining up with a really exciting and talented group.
"After chatting to Stuart and the team, it’s clear there’s enormous ambition in the club to be successful in the years ahead.
"Connacht is a proud rugby province, which I experienced first-hand in Saturday’s game at Dexcom Stadium. The atmosphere there was electric on what was clearly a very special night for the club, and I’m eager to contribute to that renowned connection between the fans and the team."
Connors is the second Leinster player to join Connacht for next season, with versatile back Frawley having previously committing to the province.
Connacht head coach Lancaster worked with Connors for six seasons in his previous role at Leinster.
"I’ve seen Will’s ability first-hand and I know he’ll be another big asset to Connacht next season," the Englishman said.
"His tackling ability and defensive work rate is well known, but he has real attacking strengths too which I am looking forward to developing.
"He also has a positive personality who brings great energy to the group and real potential as a leader. I’m sure he will thrive in the environment we are building here in Connacht.
"I’m delighted he has chosen to join us at Dexcom Stadium as we continue to evolve and grow the quality and competition in the squad."
Meanwhile, Jeremy Loughman (above) has agreed a two-year contract extension to keep him at the Thomond Park until 2028.
The 30-year-old loosehead prop has played 128 games for the province from Leinster's academy in 2017.
Loughman, who was a member of Ireland's 2023 Rugby World Cup squad, hasn't featured for the national side since early 2024, but could add to his five Test caps in this year's Six Nations after being named in Andy Farrell's squad last week.
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