Wow, wasn't expecting that! Great signing IMO (if true), he stood out a mile in the Zebres team that came to Galway. For anyone who needs a reminder (3:00):

jauzy19 wrote: Sinoti Sinoti (winger, Zebre) signs for Connacht !

www.rugbymercato.it/2013/04/19/sinoti-passa-al-connacht/

I dreamt of this yesterday, and Connacht realizes the dreams! Can't believe it!

Sinoti Sinoti (winger, Zebre) signs for Connacht !

www.rugbymercato.it/2013/04/19/sinoti-passa-al-connacht/

Alafoti foasiliva is his name.

Bristol are releasing a lot of players at end of season. Salmson already mentioned mcelwaine but the one that caught my eye is the samoan no7 aloasilva i think is his surname. Hes 27, 6ft 1, 17.5st and a firmer 7s int player. He has 10 full caps for samoa scoring 4 tries. With pat lams samoan connections and our needs at 7 since joc retired and budgetory restrictions it might just be a good fit.

Porterbelly wrote: For anyone that follows @furlo on twitter, always good for the news re Connacht

Says Vainikolo might yet be staying, still up in the air

Won't get my hopes up, but that would be great news. The competition for playing time would be good for all involved. Perhaps the management are convinced they won't find a centre to their liking so have decided to move Poolman inside and make a push to keep Vainikolo.

Porterbelly wrote:
Brian Murphy is getting a new contract

good to hear.

For anyone that follows @furlo on twitter, always good for the news re Connacht

Says Vainikolo might yet be staying, still up in the air

Conor Finn has been playing centre for the Eagles

Brian Murphy is getting a new contract

Duffy/Poolman/Henshaw can all play centre. We've plenty of options imo

Tadhg leader has played 12 anytime ive seen him play. He is a big solid playr and dependable rather that spectacular. He has a good boot on him and is a decent goalkicker. Whether hes ready or not well we wont know until he is given a shot. He has the physical atributes and skills required though.

Daragh is a more exciting looking player. Hes fast and full of running but used more on wing and fb. Questions about his defence though.
Leydon was being used as a winger anytime i saw him this season even by buccs.

salmson wrote:
Anyone care to opine on whether Layden or one of the Leaders would make a 12?

Layden is a 13 if anything at center, but fullback/wing is what I think will happen. Albeit I would be interested to see it seen as he was so excellent there at schools level. Tadhg Leader is a 12.

In terms of a utility back, David McIlwaine is leaving Bristol. Former Ulster player

AFAIK he's re-signed for Ulster.

Phatguerilla - no news on Murphy yet. Fafita is being used as a backrow at present (he was an 8 when he arrived in Ireland and got converted to centre while playing AIL) and is not yet resigned either. Poolman has a few defensive glitches and plays 13 when in the centre, as did Henshaw in his 2 sub appearances and one start in the centre. Vainkolo can play 12 at a push but is leaving, so as things stand we have no fit 12 signed for next year.

Anyone care to opine on whether Layden or one of the Leaders would make a 12?

Is B Murphy being kept on? There's also Fafita, Poolman and Henshaw who all theoretically cover centre (not commenting on the relative qualities of each as centres, just players off top of my head).

Tbh even if all of those players are kept on as centres, experience wise we would still be quite light on the ground.

No more centres? That's odd, we only have 3 signed - Tonetti, McSharry, Griffin - and 2 of them have just had surgery.

Porterbelly wrote:

its_phil wrote: From what I understand there is going to be only one more major signing and they are looking for a backrow. Maybe one utility back too.

Also change in kit is confirmed, with a ridiculous sum being paid by an Australian sportswear brand. I think it is ISC because that is the only one I can think of.

I think Frank is getting a new contract too.

Is the major signing a backrow?

I think so. There is only a couple more spots to fill with no more centers being signed AFAIK. Didn't hear any names.