Connacht capture flanker Faloon

As Connacht continue to strengthen their squad for next season they can today confirm that the Ulster openside flanker will join the club at the end of this season.

In another high-profile swoop Connacht have secured Faloon on a two year deal. The 6ft, 104kg back-rower earned his first Ireland Wolfhound cap against Scotland last year and his commitment to Connacht will see him play at the Sportsground until at least the Summer of 2014.

Voted Ulster Academy Player of the Year in 2009 Faloon won the AIB Cup with his native Ballynahinch and went on to earn his first Heineken Cup cap for Ulster against Bath in the same year. Now with 14 appearances in the Heineken Cup and 33 caps in the RaboDirect PRO12 Faloon has built a reputation as an abrasive ball-carrier.

A genuine openside flanker, his workrate across the park has helped Ulster reached the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup this year and his addition to the Connacht set-up is further proof of the hard work being done off the field to bolster the squad for the coming seasons.

Speaking about the signing Head Coach Eric Elwood said:
"Signing Willie is a big step for us, he will join an already strong pack here at Connacht and his experience and workrate will add an extra dimension to our gameplay. He's an athletic, aggressive ball-carrier in the mould of a traditional number seven and alongside his phenomenal work at the breakdown I know he will be a major asset to the club."

Willie added:
"I'm really looking forward to the move to Connacht next season to challenge for regular game time. After speaking with Eric I was in no doubt as to the direction he wants to take Connacht Rugby and I'm happy to be part of that plan."

Faloon's signing comes hot on the heels of the recent high-profile acquisitions of Dan Parks and Nathan White and these big name arrivals, coupled with the retention of the best of Connacht's homegrown talent will provide a timely boost as Connacht Rugby are set to launch their Season Tickets in the coming days.