RUGBY: Connacht have received a major boost with the announcement that coach Steph Nel has signed a new three-year contract.

The 35-year-old South African took charge of Connacht two years ago after one of the worst seasons in their history.

He set about developing a young side and last season they reached the quarter-finals of the inaugural Celtic League thanks to victories away to the likes of Cardiff and Newport and at home to Neath.

In the European Shield they also showed good form, defeating French side Narbonne on a good run which ended when they lost to eventual winners Sale Sharks.

Nel, who has worked with the Irish Universities and Ireland A sides, said he is looking forward to the new season.

"We have worked hard on and off the pitch over the past two seasons. The important thing now is that we continue to build on the level of progress.

"We have a very young side but they have displayed great maturity and with people like Eric Elwood around to lead the way, we can approach the new season with confidence. This is an exciting time for Connacht rugby," said Nel.

As part of the build-up to the new campaign, Connacht will play a pre-season friendly against the London Wasps side now being coached by their former supremo Warren Gatland. The New Zealander took over the Premiership side earlier this year after being sacked as Irish coach.

The game will take place at High Wycombe on Sunday, August 18th.It is one of three pre-season friendlies which Connacht will play - on August 14th they entertain Premiership finalists Bristol Shoguns, while, on August 22nd, Munster travel to Galway.