Connacht have secured experienced hooker Ethienne Reynecke from Saracens.

Ethienne played Super Rugby for The Golden Lions in South Africa, including an appearance against the British and Irish Lions in 2009, and has featured in the Currie Cup as well as the Vodacom Cup. He is currently on loan to The Stormers from Saracens in South Africa and will join Connacht on a 2 year deal at the end of the season.

The 5’11, 102kg hooker has a wealth of experience in the number 2 jersey having played for Saracens in the English Premiership for the past 2 seasons.

This will not be Ethienne’s first visit to the Sportsground, the 29 year old was part of the Saracens squad that visited Connacht last August for a pre-season friendly.

Speaking about the move Ethienne said:

"I'm very excited at the prospect of going to Ireland, especially Galway. Connacht has shown this season they are serious about establishing a strong and successful rugby culture there, and I intend giving my all to contribute to the cause."

Head coach Eric Elwood:
“With Sean moving on at the end of the season we needed cover at hooker and we are very pleased to sign a player of Ethienne’s calibre, especially in such a crucial position. He is an experienced player who we are confident can offer a lot to Connacht.”

To see Ethienne in action click the video below:

Keith Matthews will celebrate his 100th cap when he lines out for Connacht this Friday against Edingburgh (The Sportsground – ko 19.45 01/04/11)

The 28 year old centre joined Connacht from Munster in 2005 and has been a regular feature in the Connacht squad.

“I was on a development contract down in Munster when Brads (Michael Bradley) phoned me and offered me a spot, I jumped at the chance to play regular Magners League and haven’t looked back since.”
“It’s taken a while to get to this milestone; I’ve had a few injuries along the way.  Amongst other injuries I damaged my crutiate ligament against Munster in ‘07 and was out for 9 months so that didn’t help but I’m delighted to reach 100 caps for Connacht, it’s a huge personal achievement.”

Keith made his debut in Connacht’s 13 – 9 victory over the Cardiff Blues in September ‘05 alongside John Muldoon, Current Assistant Coach Dan McFarland and Video Analyst Conor McPhillips. He has scored 14 tries for the Province and set up dozens more with his hard running and ferocious tackling.

“I’ve been involved in some great games over the years, beating Munster here at The Sportsground 2 years ago, beating Bourgoin in the quarter final of the Amlin Challenge Cup here last season and captaining the side against Munster on St Stephens Day this year. Hopefully there’ll be many more to come, I’m enjoying my rugby more than ever and playing some of the best rugby of my career so I’ve no intention of giving up just yet!”

Matthews was part of Michael Bradleys 2009 Ireland ‘A’ side which won the Churchill Cup, beating England Saxons in the final. That team also included Connacht's John Muldoon and Sean Cronin.

Hooker Adrian Flavin could also earn his 100th cap this weekend. The 5’11, 102kg number 2 from Harrow in London joined Connacht in 2006 and has99 caps to his name. He will feature from the bench for the match this weekend

Connacht face Edinburgh this Friday in round 19 of the Magners League. Kick- off is at 7.45 in The Sportsground and the match is being shown live on TG4.
Connacht XV to face Edinburgh:
1   Ronan Loughney
2   Sean Cronin
3   Jamie Hagan
4   Mike McCarthy
5   Bernie Upton
6   Andrew Browne
7   Johnny O’Connor
8   Ray Ofisa
9   Frank Murphy
10  Ian Keatley
11  Fionn Carr
12  Keith Matthews
13  Troy Nathan
14  Brian Tuohy
15  Gavin Dufffy
16  Adrian Flavin
17  Brett Wilkinson
18  Rodney Ah You
19  Mike McComish
20  John Muldoon
21  Mark Dolan
22  Eoin Griffin
23  Shane Monahan

Pic (C) www.inpho.ie

Connacht Rugby have today announced the signing of Leinster academy prop Stewart Maguire on a two-year contract. Born in Bristol, Maguire went to St. Josephs College in Newport and represented Wales at under 16 and under 18 level while in the Dragons academy.  The 6’5” 130kg tight-head prop joined Leinster two years ago and to date has made 11 appearances for the provinces ‘A’ side, including seven in the British and Irish Cup. Maguire has also represented Ireland at under 20 level and was a member of the side that played in last year’s under 20 world Cup in Argentina, where he played with Connacht trio Eoin Griffin, Tiernan O’Halloran and Denis Buckley.  This season he has also helped his club Old Belvedere challenge for Ulster Bank League honours.

Speaking about his new deal, Maguire commented:

"I am delighted as well as excited to be joining Connacht this summer on a two year deal.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2 years at Leinster, where the coaching staff have improved my fitness and level of play enormously, and helped me to be an important part of Ireland U20 side last season. However, I feel that I now need exposure to regular rugby at a higher level, and Connacht's coaching staff convinced me that I can have a big role to play in their match day squad next season".

Connacht Assistant and Forwards Coach Dan McFarland also commented;
“We’re really looking forward to working with Stewart, he has good potential as a scrummager and is a dynamic ball carrier, having played well for the Ireland U20s last season. He has not been able to get senior game-time at Leinster and is coming here with a real point to prove. We believe we can offer him the best possible opportunity to showcase his talents. We are confident he will fit comfortably into our set-up as we build our squad for next season.”

Pic (c) www.inpho.ie

A converted Ray Ofisa try and a penatly acount for Connacht's haul of 10 points for the first half of the match. Aironi have scored 2 tries and Tebaldi missed 2 kicks at goal.

The second half saw both teams struggle with discipline and though Ian Keatley was on target with his attempt a Demas try, Marshall dropgoal and Tebaldi penalty gave the home side their first Magners League win.

The final score Aironi 25 13 Connacht

For up-to-the-minute action checkout our facebook page www.facebook.com/connachtrugby