Connacht sign Stormer

Pretoria-born Poolman has excelled for the Cape Town based franchise in an international backline that includes Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana and Gio Aplon.

Hailing from the famous rugby school Paul Roos Gymnasium, the powerful runner 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 centre who can also play on the wing and with his three-year deal could qualify to play for Ireland in the future.

He will be joining a settled Connacht side which has been strengthened by some astute signings in recent months and when the RaboDirect PRO12 kicks off in September Eric Elwood will be able to call on Heineken Cup finalists Nathan White and Willie Faloon, as well as former Scotland international Dan Parks.

Connacht have been drawn in Pool 3 for the 2012/13 campaign along with Biarritz, Harlequins and Italian newcomers, Zebre.

With the emergence of Academy stars such as Denis Buckley, Mick 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 club.

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 Rugby 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."