Kyle Tonetti signs for Connacht

Interesting.

Tonetti was surplus to requirements at Leinster last year and Connacht were interested in him, but he chose Sale instead.

But with a large number of centres at Sale and with Connacht thin at the position this looks like a good move. It's nice to see an Irish player coming back into the fold and a Tonetti/Griffen centre partnership, while not the most experienced, could be quite exciting.

Interesting that the report says it's a short-term loan. Didn't think loan moves were possible in rugby.

Mentioned at the bottom of the article:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/1108/1224307207259.html

He's a good player with a nice range of skills who really needs consistent game time to really evolve as a player. Hopefully this will give him the confidence before heading back to Sale.

Loan moves are fairly uncommon but they do happen, particularly for injury cover (ie CornishPirates loaned Exe Chiefs prop Alan Paver during our recent front-row injury crisis). The Tonetti move has a greater air of permanence about it tho?

Good stuff. Helps Conancht and the Irish coaches get another chance to see him.