Reds back-row Taylor set to sign for Connacht

CONNACHT look set to complete their biggest coup of the season by signing Queensland Reds back-row player Ezra Taylor.

The Australian-born New Zealander will fill the boots left by Kiwi George Naoupu, who took up a contract with Japan at the end of the season.

Taylor is an impressive 1.94m and 111kg, and comes to Connacht with several years experience in Super 14 rugby, including two years with the Reds and two years with the Otago Highlanders.Regarded as an abrasive back-row player, with strong ball-carrying skills, he made his provincial debut for the Highlanders in 2006 and his Super 14 debut in 2007 against the Lions.

He returned to Queensland in 2009 on a two-year contract and, after injury setbacks, made eight appearances for the Reds last season.

In addition to playing at number eight or blindside, the 28-years-old will also provide Connacht with extra lineout options, having also played in the second row.

Born in Brisbane, he moved to New Zealand with his family when he was three, and holds a Samoan passport. He comes to Connacht with his wife, a former professional basketball player, who competed with New Zealand in the Beijing Olympics.

Taylor’s signing is a huge boost for the province, particularly with captain John Muldoon set to miss the start of the season after injuring his arm while playing for Ireland against the All Blacks.

The province is still hoping to sign a prop, while coach Eric Elwood finalised his backroom team this week with a third new addition in Great Britain rugby league star Mike Forshaw as defence coach, joining new backs coach Brian Melrose and video analyst Conor McPhillips.