Connacht head coach Pat Lam is convinced new signing Nepia Fox-Matamua will fit right in at the Sportsground having worked with the back-row forward at Auckland.
The westerners and the IRFU announced the recruitment of the New Zealand-born flanker on a two-year deal this morning.
"With Willie (Faloon) returning to Ulster, another quality openside flanker was needed for next season's squad," said Lam.
"I have worked with Nepia at Auckland. He is a great team man and having captained different sides in his young career, he also possesses excellent leadership qualities."
Back row forward Nepia Fox Matamua signs two-year deal with Connacht - http://t.co/iPMnAOxnUs pic.twitter.com/L0dOHNcUBS
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 25, 2015
Having made his debut for ITM Cup side Auckland in 2012, Fox-Matamua returned to the provincial squad in 2014 after a year-long spell with North Harbour, where he also played Sevens rugby.
Lam added: "Technically he is an out-and-out number seven with natural ball skills that have seen him excel in Sevens rugby as well. I know that he is the type of player and person that will fit in very well to the Connacht community."
The 23-year-old will arrive in Galway for the beginning of the pre-season period in June.
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