Connacht sign Upton

Connacht have captured New Zealand second-row forward Bernie Upton on a two-year contract.

The 27 year old from North Harbour brings Super-14 experience from the Waikato Chiefs and the Wellington Hurricanes.

Manager Tim Allnutt said: "We are working towards finalising our squad for next season and the acquisition of Bernie Upton is a big boost".

Meanwhile, Connacht coach Michael Bradley brings back Troy Nathan and David Gannon as his two changes to play the Cardiff Blues in the Magners League at The Sportsground on Friday (kick off: 6.30pm).

Centre Niva Ta'auso (leg) and Colm Rigney (knee) have picked up injuries. So, Gavin Duffy moves to centre and with Nathan at full back.

Gannon is promoted as a direct replacement. Johnny O'Connor and Conor Muldoon are new adiditons to the bench.

CONNACHT (v Cardiff):

T Nathan; L Bibo, G Duffy, K Matthews, F Carr; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, R Morris; A Browne, A Farley; D Gannon, R Ofisa, J Muldoon (Capt).

Replacements: C Muldoon, R Loughney, M Swift, J O'Connor, C O'Loughlin, A Dunne, M Deane.