Connacht have signed experienced lock Joe Joyce from Bristol Bears.
The 28-year old has made more than 150 appearances for the Premiership side, helping them win the 2020 Challenge Cup.
Joyce’s grandparents hail from Galway, and he is a former Ireland under-20 international.
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Leinster scrum-half Nick McCarthy has praised the role of his coaches in helping him come out as gay.
The 27-year old said he contemplated quitting rugby rather than be open about his sexuality.
McCarthy thanked Leo Cullen and Stuart Lancaster for their support which he feels made him more comfortable in coming out to the rest of the squad.
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He hopes fellow players in a similar position can follow his lead, and head coach Cullen believes the news benefits everyone
