Connacht Rugby have completed a number of signings this week. Contract negotiations have been ongoing for a number of weeks but today CEO Gerry Kelly announced the signings of Ulster duo Niall O Connor and Mark McCrea along with the re-signing of former Connacht favourite George Naoupu from Japan.

Niall O Connor will join Connacht on a 2 year contract at the end of this season. 23 year old O Connor has 51 caps and scored 212 points (including 10 Heineken Cup appearances) for Ulster and represented Ireland at U19, U20 and A level, he was also a member of the 6 Nations Grand Slam winning U20 squad in 2007.

O Connor s colleague Mark McCrea, who plays on the wing, joined the Ulster Academy in 2006 and turned professional in 2008. He has 25 caps for Ulster and has represented Ireland at Schools and A level. The 23 year old, Belfast High School graduate, was a member of the 2008 Churchill Cup winning team, scoring a try against the USA and has 3 Ireland A caps. The 6 1, 92kg winger will join Connacht on a 2 year contract deal from next season

George Naoupu will return to Connacht for the 2011/2012 season. He appeared 14 times in his 6 month spell at Connacht, including scoring a try in Connacht's famous victory over Bourgoin in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter final last season. Naoupu has represented New Zealand Schools, U19, Colts and 7 s and will rejoin Connacht on a 2 year contract.