Connacht poised to sign All Black

Connacht rugby are poised to land arguably their biggest signing since the advent of the professional game in the form of All Black centre Benson Stanley.

Stanley, aged 26, won the first of his three caps against Ireland last summer in New Plymouth and would represent a huge fillip for coach Eric Elwood and his coaching staff as they build for next season.

A hard-running centre and tenacious defender, Stanley was born in Australia, and is currently plying his trade with the Auckland Blues in the Super 15.

Stanley has spent most of the season on the bench, however, as Luke McAllister, who has signed for Toulouse next season, and Ulster-bound Jarred Payne have been occupying the centre berths for the New Zealand franchise.

Connacht have recruited heavily for next season including Ulster trio Mark McCrea, Niall O'Connor and TJ Anderson; young Leinster tighthead Stewart Maguire, promising backs Matthew Jarvis and James Loxton as well as Otago Highlanders flyer Fetu’u Vainikolo.

The Westerners have also re-signed crowd favourite and powerhouse number eight George Nauopu from Japan after a one-year hiatus.