Magners League
Connacht poach young Ulster duo
ESPNscrum Staff
January 7, 2011
Niall O'Connor has joined Connacht © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Mark McCrea | George Naoupu | Niall O'Connor
Tournaments/Tours: Magners League
Teams: Connacht | Ireland | Ulster

Connacht have bolstered their ranks for next season by poaching promising youngsters Niall O'Connor and Mark McCrea from Magners League rivals Ulster.

The 23-year-old duo will head to Galway at the end of the season on two-year deals, where they will be joined by former Sportsground favourite George Naoupu, who has been coaxed back to Ireland after a spell in Japan with Kobe Steelers.

Fly-half O'Connor and wing McCrea will bolster the attacking backline options available to Eric Elwood while Naoupu's ball-carrying talent will help them to add greater go-forward to an already competitive pack.

"We are delighted with the news that these players are joining Connacht, McCrea and O'Connor are both outstanding players and they will no doubt add an extra dimension to our backline," Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly said.

"Recalling George Naoupu from Japan is a big move for us, he was exceptional for Connacht in 2009 and a big loss to the squad when he moved last year. George is a dynamic ball-carrier and inspirational player to those around him so we are looking forward to his return."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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