Connacht sign new back row forward Naulia Dawai

Connacht has announced the signing of Fijian-born back row forward Naulia Dawai on a two year deal.

"Naulia is an exciting addition to the Connacht Rugby squad as he brings X-factor to our hard-working forward pack. He can play across the back row, which is a great boost to our options up front and also provides vital depth and competition in those positions," commented Head Coach Pat Lam.

"We were really impressed with the rugby Naulia's been playing in the NPC and also with the Fiji national side during the summer. When Otago Head coach and good friend Cory Brown confirmed to me Naulia's work ethic and ability on and off the field, we were very pleased to secure him for Connacht Rugby."

The 29-year-old, who joins Connacht on the back of three seasons with NPC-side Otago in New Zealand, was capped for Fiji in June 2016, starting three tests against Tonga, Samoa and Georgia.