Connacht secure signing of Samoa international prop Tietie Tuimauga

Connacht have announced the signing of Samoa international Tietie Tuimauga with immediate effect.

The 28-year-old played two Tests for Samoa that came against Tonga earlier in the year and will join the Irish province from New Zealand side Manawatu.

Connacht head coach Andy Friend is delighted with the signing of Tuimauga and is confident that he will add more depth to the squad.

“It’s no secret we’ve been exploring further options at loosehead following Denis Buckley’s long-term injury, so we are really pleased to welcome Tietie to Connacht," said Friend.

"We now have strong cover across all of our front row, which is a good place to be, and with Tietie’s experience he’ll offer us something different.

"We now have a Pro squad of 44 plus a number of integrated Academy players, so I’m really pleased with the group we have assembled. Our sole focus now is on building on last week’s win when we face the Dragons on Saturday.”

Connacht are positioned 10th in the United Rugby Championship table with a win and a defeat in the two games and will face Dragons next at the Sportsground next on 9th October.