Connacht make two signings from Wales

Rugby:Matthew Jarvis and James Loxton, who both ply their trade in Wales but are Irish qualified, have signed for Connacht and will boost Eric Elwood's backline.

Jarvis (20) signed from the Ospreys and is will join the western province next season. He has been capped at Wales under-18 level and was vice captain of the under-20 side.

Jarvis can play a number of roles along the backline, including outhalf, centre and fullback. He also qualifies for Ireland as his grandmother is from Cork.

“I am very excited at moving to Ireland and playing for Connacht,” said Jarvis. “Connacht have a long history of developing exciting young talent who have gone forward to play for the national team.

“I am also looking forward to working with and learning from Eric Elwood, he was a great 10 for both Connacht and Ireland and if I can’t learn and develop from Eric then I’m in the wrong job.

“My grandmother was born in Cork, I have always considered myself as 50 per cent Irish, this has now presented me with an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland and hopefully one day for Ireland.”

James Loxton (21) will also join next season and can play at wing or fullback. Born in Berlin, he qualifies for Ireland through his mother who comes from Crossmolina, Co. Mayo.

He too has been capped by Wales at under-18 and under-20 level having featured during the 2009 Junior World Cup series in Japan and has been signed from the Cardiff Blues.

“I have really enjoyed my time with Cardiff Blues but once I was presented with the opportunity to play for Connacht in Ireland, it was one I couldn’t refuse,” said Loxton.

“Connacht have big plans for the future and I want to be part of that vision. They play and open, expansive and exciting brand of rugby which will suit my game as a wing/fullback.

Gerry Kelly, Connacht chief executive, was delighted with the new signings.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of these two very promising young players,” he said. “They have both shown they are ready to make the next step in their careers having featured for Wales at youth level and their respective clubs.

“We hope that they can go on and follow in the footsteps of long-serving Exiles such as Adrian Flavin, Mike McCarthy and Michael Swift.”