Harris-Wright and Murphy to join Connacht

Jason Harris-Wright from Bristol and Brian Murphy from Galwegians are to join Connacht next season, it was announced today.

Hooker Harris-Wright, 24, is a product of the Leinster Academy and has 11 senior appearances for the club as well as four Heineken Cup matches under his belt including the 2011 final victory over Northampton Saints.

He was part of the Ireland U-20 World Championship team that beat Tonga in 2008 and featured in all bar one of Ireland U20's RBS 6 Nations matches the same year.

"I would just like to say I'm delighted to have signed for Connacht Rugby and I'm really looking forward to being part of a great club who I believe are making huge strides both in Europe and in the domestic competition," he said.

"I look forward to meeting all the lads and getting stuck into pre-season next month."

Murphy, 26, earns his first professional contract having joined from Ulster Bank All Ireland League club side Galwegians.

Murphy was voted the iRadio Senior Club Player of the Year at the recent Connacht Annual Awards having performed consistently over the course of the season.

The versatile centre/fullback, who came through the Connacht age-grade system, was part of the 2006 Connacht U-21 side that beat Leinster in Donnybrook.

He went on to represent Connacht at junior level before moving from Corrib RFC to Galwegians RFC.