Connacht Rugby have been given a timely boost with the signings of two promising Irish-qualified recruits from Wales following on from the decision of three long-serving forwards to agree contract extensions.
20-year old-Matthew Jarvis has joined from the Ospreys. The utility back who can play at 10, 12 or 15, has been capped by Wales at Under 18 level and was vice-captain of the Welsh Under 20 side that faced England last February. The 1.93m, 91kg Neath-born flyer qualifies to play for Ireland as his grandmother hails from Cork.
James Loxton, another utility back can play at wing or full-back has also signed for the Irish province. Loxton, who was born in Berlin, qualifies to play for Ireland as his mother is from Crossmolina in Mayo. The 21-year-old has been capped by Wales at Under 18 and Under 20 levels having featured for Wales during their 2009 Junior World Cup series in Japan and has been signed from the Cardiff Blues.
Meanwhile, Ray Ofisa, the 30-year-old 6'0" 95kg Samoan, who joined Connacht in 2006 from North Otago (New Zealand) will remain at The Sportsground until 2012. Hooker, Adrian Flavin, who signed for Connacht in 2006 from London Irish, has agreed a new contract for two more seasons.
Finally, Michael Swift, Connacht's most capped player of all time, has signed a one-year deal that will also keep him at the Sportsground until 2012.
Head Coach Eric Elwood said: "We are very pleased with the re-signing of Swifty, Flav and Ray. They have been great servants to Connacht Rugby and we are delighted they have shown their loyalty to the province by extending their contracts."
