Connacht have further bolstered their loose forward stocks with the signing of Ulster flank Willie Faloon who signed a two-year contract with the Pro12 outfit.

The imposing tearaway 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 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 quarterfinals of the Heineken Cup this year and Connacht are opeful that he will add to the depth in their current squad.

Connacht 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."

Faloon commented: "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."