Trio linkup with Connacht

Former North Harbour lock forward Bernie Upton has joined Michael Bradley's Connacht.

The abrasive 27-year-old has played in the Super-14 with the Waikato Chiefs and the Wellington Hurricanes, as well as the Junior All Blacks.

In addition, his fellow New Zealander Miah Nikora, a 24-year-old out-half from National Provincial Cup club Tasmin Makos, also joins The Westerners.

Former Ireland U-20 Grand Slam winner Jamie Hagan has also made the move to Connacht in order to win first team game time.

The 22-year-old Leinster Academy graduate has already represented Ireland at Youths, U-18 and U-20 level.

Hagan made his Magners League debut for Leinster away to The Dragons last May and is seen as one of those tight-heads vynig to provide a long-term alternative to John Hayes for Ireland.