Connacht sign-up Quins scrumhalf

Connacht Rugby have continued their recruitment drive for next season by securing the services of Harlequins scrum-half David Moore for next season.

Meanwhile, winger Brian Tuohy has signed a contract extension while back-rower Eoin McKeon has stepped up from the Academy and earned a development contract while the province

Tuohy joined Connacht in 2009 from English Division One side Cornish Pirates.

Known for his excellent finishing and blistering pace, as well as finishing 3rd in the National Leagues try-scoring tables, Tuohy came to the attention of the Irish 7’s management and after an impressing display during the qualifiers; he earned himself a place on Michael Bradleys Ireland ‘A’ side that beat the USA in the Churchill Cup.

Tuohy went on to compete in the 2009 7’s World Cup in Dubai; helping Ireland to complete a famous victory over Australia, before joining Connacht.

He has scored 10 tries for the Eric Elwood's side in 20 Magners League games, five European Cup matches and touched down in Connacht’s historic win over Samoa this season.

Speaking about extending his contract the Limerick native said: "I'm delighted to continue my time here at Connacht, there’s a real buzz about the squad at the moment and we’re playing some great rugby. It’s a pleasure to part of this team and I hopefully we can finish the league out with some great performances.”

Connacht are also delighted to announce the signing of 22-year-old Irish scrum-half David Moore from Harlequins.

Moore, who joined Quins from the Leinster Academy at the beginning of this season, was a member of Elwood’s Ireland U20 6 Nations team of 2008.

The former Blackrock schoolboy represented Ireland Schools during his time in the college and went on to win an U19 cap before making the step up to the U20 team where he won a total of eight caps.

This season the 6’, 91kg scrumhalf has played nine times for Harlequins including one appearance against Cavalieri Prato in Connacht’s Amlin Challenge Cup pool.

“I’m thrilled to be returning back home to Ireland and I’m really looking forward to working under Eric Elwood at Connacht. They are playing a very positive brand of rugby and I look forward to being part of the set-up," said Moore.

Galway native Eoin McKeon has also to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Province.

The 6’2’’ 101 kg former Coláiste Iognáid student made his debut last season away to the Scarlets and has made three senior appearances for Connacht so far this season, including his team's famous win over Samoa.

McKeon, who is only 19, has represented Ireland at Youth and U19 level and played in this season’s U20 6 Nations win over Italy before injury ruled him out of the tournament.

The dynamic ball-carrying number eight is the latest graduate of the Connacht Academy and makes the step up to a development contract for the coming season.

Speaking about his new deal, McKeon said; “I am delighted to be making the next step in my career here at Connacht. I am extremely grateful to Academy Manager Nigel Carolan for helping me to make the step and I look forward to being part of the senior squad next season.”