Connacht sign Anderson from Ulster

Rugby:Connacht have signed backrow TJ Anderson from Ulster on a two-year-deal and announced a contract extension for looshead prop Brett Wilkinson.

The 24-year-old Anderson, son of former irish legend Willie and an under-20 Grand Slam winner, will join the province at the end of the season.

He has 18 Magners League caps to his name and captained the Ulster Ravens in the British and Irish Cup.

Wilkinson’s extension ties him to the province until the end of the 2013 season. The South African has been with Connacht since 2006 and earned his 100th cap in October last year. He qualifies for Ireland under the residency rule and has featured for the Wolfhounds against Argentina, Scotland A and the England Saxons.

“Connacht has been my home for the last five years and it’s great to be able to commit for another two years,” he said today, adding he was keen to make the step up to senior international level.

“I’m delighted to have played for Ireland Wolfhounds and I would love to make the next step and represent Ireland at senior level but at the moment I am concentrating on being the best rugby player I can be and helping Connacht make their mark in the Magners League.”