Connacht sign Danie Poolman from the Stormers.

Yep you guessed it - another South African for one of the provinces. Sorry biltong

Connacht don't come under the same rules as the other provinces with regards to NIQ's but even if they did this guy would be their project as he could qualify for Ireland in 3 years.

Connacht have bolstered their squad for next season by signing exciting centre Danie Poolman from the Stormers.

With the Heineken Cup returning to the Sportsground next season, Connacht head coach Eric Elwood continues to build and develop his panel of players and has signed Danie Poolman on a three-year deal.
Pretorius-born Poolman has excelled for the Stormers in an international back-line that includes Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana and Gio Aplon.

Hailing from the famous rugby school Paul Roos Gymnasium, the powerfu 23-year-old is an exciting prospect who already has serious rugby pedigree, scoring a try in the Vodacom Cup final to help Western Province beat the Griquas to lift the 2012 title.

At 1.89m and 100kg, Poolman is a sizeable yet deceptively nimble centre who can also play on the wing and with the three-year deal could qualify to play for Ireland in years to come.

He will be joining a settled Connacht side which has been strengthened by some astute signings in recent months.

When the RaboDirect PRO12 kicks off in September, Elwood will be able to call on Heineken Cup finalists Nathan White and Willie Faloon, as well as former Scotland international Dan Parks.

Poolman's signing is further indication of the hard work that is going on off the pitch to strengthen the depth of this Connacht side for the rigours of the league and their second Heineken Cup campaign.

With the emergence of Academy stars such as Denis Buckley, Michael Kearney and Shane Layden, coupled with the experience of Connacht legends John Muldoon, Michael Swift and Gavin Duffy, the new signings will help to shape the future of the team in an exciting time for the development of the province.

Speaking about the signing, Elwood said: "We are delighted to be signing a young exciting prospect such as Danie who has already gained valuable Super 15 experience.

"He's coming from a club with an excellent reputation for developing young talent and he has starred alongside some quality international players.

"He's a strong ball carrier with an excellent work-rate both in attack and defence and I am really looking forward to working with him."

Poolman added: "I am very excited to be joining up with Connacht. I am looking forward to learning from their coaches, players and structures.

"It will be a truly international experience, I think of Ireland as a long-term goal, and I am confident I can add value to the squad for next season's league and Heineken Cup campaign.

"I am grateful and want to thank Western Province for all that I have learned and achieved, but this is really an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...to be able to experience life and rugby in beautiful Ireland!"

The Connacht squad for next season seems to be getting stronger and stronger, can't wait to see how they go in the Heineken with the group they have.

Taken from here by the way:

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/26802.php

I said on another thread I can see Connacht getting to the quarter final via a best placed runner up spot, this is the best chance they will ever have of getting it.

Connacht has really improved from 3/4 seasons ago, and look to be a good team, the problem is they have to rely on another Irish team wiining the Almin or h-cup to get into Europe, as finishing ahead of either Leinster, Ulster or Munster is a feat that would be beyond most clubs.

If they arn't in the H-cup next year I would fancy them to improve more and win the Almin, (stronger squad again plus 2 years H-cup experience).

Ireland's South African Contingent:

01 Wian du Preez
02 Richardt Strauss
03 BJ Botha
04 Johann Muller
05 Quinn Roux
06 CJ Stander
07
08 Robbie Diack
09 Ruan Pienaar
10
11 Dannie Poolman
12
13
14
15

We do also have Heinke van der Merwe, Rob Herring and Ethienne Reynecke.

Additionally, we had Pedrie Wannenburg and Steven Sykes on the books this season.

Connacht really are shaping up nicely for next season

Just stregnthens my quote on another thread that next season the Rabbo will truly come of age, with much better teams and by the looks of it, much better attendances.

LordDowlais wrote:Just stregnthens my quote on another thread that next season the Rabbo will truly come of age, with much better teams and by the looks of it, much better attendances.

Ive never really been too pushed by it.

However this year I am buying season tickets for first time.

LordDowlais wrote:Just stregnthens my quote on another thread that next season the Rabbo will truly come of age, with much better teams and by the looks of it, much better attendances.

Top of Tree
Leinster, Ulster, Munster, Ospreys

Improving
Glasgow, Scarlets, Edinburgh, Connacht, Terviso

in transition
Blues, Dragons, Zebre

It will be closer most teams are capable of beating nearly anyone at home, can see it being really close from 2-10 expect by mid season even 3/4 of the season most teams will still have a realistic chance of making the playoffs.

Kingshu wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:Just stregnthens my quote on another thread that next season the Rabbo will truly come of age, with much better teams and by the looks of it, much better attendances.

Top of Tree
Leinster, Ulster, Munster, Ospreys

Improving
Glasgow, Scarlets, Edinburgh, Connacht, Terviso

in transition
Blues, Dragons, Zebre

It will be closer most teams are capable of beating nearly anyone at home, can see it being really close from 2-10 expect by mid season even 3/4 of the season most teams will still have a realistic chance of making the playoffs.

It can only be good for Celtic and Italian rugby.

The rabo will be very competitive next year. Can't wait

Good to see that loads of Rabo teams have added to their squads for next season. It should make winning harder and raise the standard.