Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have recruited back row forward Nepia Fox-Matamua to the province for next season.
The 23-year-old joins Connacht from ITM Cup side Auckland and has also previously played with North Harbour.
Fox-Matamua has signed a two-year deal and will join the Connacht camp in June for pre-season training.
.@connachtrugby have confirmed the signing of New Zealand born flanker Nepia Fox-Matamua on a 2 year deal. pic.twitter.com/FG07oPwvjV
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) March 25, 2015
Connacht Head Coach Pat Lam has worked with the player previously and welcomed his addition to the squad.
“We're delighted to be in a position to announce Nepia,” Lam said. “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."