Connacht confirm signing of former Munster player JJ Hanrahan

Connacht have confirmed the signing of former Munster back JJ Hanrahan.

The 30-year-old, who made 141 appearances for Munster over two stints, joins after one season with Welsh outfit Dragons.

An out-half who can also cover centre and full-back, Hanrahan arrives at the Sportsground with Premiership (Northampton), Top 14 (Clermont) and extensive URC experience.

The Kerry native says the chance to return home – he left Munster in 2021 to join Clermont Auvergne, where his one season in France was followed by a campaign in Welsh rugby – was a huge driver to join the westerners.

"Moving to Connacht and back on Irish soil was a really appealing opportunity that presented itself," he said.

"I've played Connacht numerous times in my career and every game was a hard-fought battle. They’re a club with a huge team spirit and a never-say-die attitude and I’m looking forward to living those values with them, and contributing wherever I can.

"This is something that really excites me for the coming years ahead."

Having become a key figure for Munster after returning for a second spell in 2017, the emergence of Ben Healy and return to fitness of Joey Carbery saw the province decide not to offer the player a new deal.

He made 27 appearances for Clermont across the Top 14 and Champions Cup before going on to make 15 appearances with the Dragons this term.

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins says he is excited by the provinces ninth and final signing for next season.

"His record at Munster as well as Northampton, Clermont and Dragons speaks for itself, and that experience of consistently playing at the highest level in the URC and Champions Cup for so long will be a great asset for us," he said.

"We’re very excited about the squad we’ve assembled and