Connacht Rugby is pleased to announce the signing of two promising Irish backs for next season.

Shane Monahan of Blackrock College and Darragh Fanning of St Mary’s College will link up with their new colleagues when pre-season training commences at the Sportsground in a few weeks.

The two players, both aged 23, have impressed at a variety of levels over the past few years.

Shane Monahan, a winger/centre, was on the Ireland U-20 side which captured a Six Nations grand slam in 2007. The side was coached by new Connacht coach Eric Elwood and his assistant Dan McFarland.

Darragh Fanning, a winger or full-back, has impressed for Leinster Schools and the Irish Colleges side.