The former Munster forward, now 29, will be the first Irish player to play in the league, if not the country itself, joining a who's who of southern hemisphere stars.

Connacht Rugby has today confirmed the contract extensions for George Naoupu, Jason Harris-Wright, Mick Kearney and Eoin McKeon.

Benetton Treviso 31 Edinburgh 6

Connacht Rugby have today announced the signings of Ulster duo Niall O’Connor and Mark McCrea along with the re-signing of former Connacht favourite George Naoupu from Japan for next season.