RUGBY:CONNACHT HAVE completed the signings of Niall O'Connor and Mark McCrea from Ulster and have re-signed George Naoupu after a season playing in Japan.

Outhalf O’Connor will join on a two-year contract at the end of this season. A product of the Ulster Academy in 2006, the 23-year-old signed a professional contract in 2007, has 51 Ulster caps and has scored 212 points.

He represented Ireland at U19, U20 and ‘A’ level and was a member of the Six Nations Grand Slam-winning U20 squad, which was coached by current Connacht boss Eric Elwood and Dan McFarland in 2007.

Winger McCrea 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. Also 23-years-old, the Belfast High School graduate, was a member of the 2008 Churchill Cup-winning team, scoring a try against the USA. He has three Ireland ‘A’ caps and will join Connacht on a two-year contract deal from next season.

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

Naoupu is a 6ft 5in, 115kg 27-year-old backrow and initially joined Connacht in 2009 before being lured away by the Kobe Steelers in Japan last season. He appeared 14 times in his six-month spell in Galway, 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 Sevens and will rejoin Connacht on a two-year contract.