Rugby:Connacht have announced the signing to Tongan-born winger Fetu'u Vainikolo from Super 15 side The Highlanders.

The 26-year-old has scored 13 tries in two years of Super 15 rugby after stints with Northland and Otago.

He has also featured for the 2010 New Zealand Barbarians against the New Zealand Maori and is reputed to be explosive in attack, while solid in defence.

“I am excited about furthering my career with Connacht,” Vainakolo said today. “I have watched their progress with interest this season and been impressed with their style of play. I am looking forward to hopefully scoring many tries in the green jersey.”

Connacht coach Eric Elwood said Vainikolo has "shown he can score tries from anywhere on the pitch and we are excited to have a player of his skill and expertise joining the team".

He added: "Having a player of his pace and physicality in the backs will add an extra dimension to our game.”