IT’S a long way from Motootua on the Pacific island of Samoa, to Galway on this Atlantic island of ours.

SUNDAY’S surprise bonus-point win by Ulster over Edinburgh, combined with Connacht’s heavy defeat by Llanelli away, has ended any slim hope the western province had of qualification for next season’s Heineken Cup through the Magners League route.

Connacht 12 Ospreys 19

Connacht's new signing Samoan centre Niva Ta'auso has arrived in Galway.

Connacht have signed 28-year-old Samoan centre Niva Ta'auso for the forthcoming season from Super 14 side Highlanders.