RUGBY: Lewis Stevenson joins PRO12 champions Connacht

The 32-year-old had been with Exeter Chiefs in a mid-term move from Ulster last season.

He had previously been with the English Premiership side as well as Harlequins before returning to Ulster.

Having come through the Ulster Academy, Stevenson returned to his home province in 2011 and made 89 appearances over almost five seasons.

In 2013, he was capped for both the Ireland Wolfhounds and Emerging Ireland sides.

Stevenson joined up with the Connacht squad in Dublin prior to going to departure for France for a five day training camp which included a pre-season clash with Top 14 side Montpellier.

Connacht head coach Pat Lam said: “It’s great to have someone of Lewis’ experience joining our squad. Having played in the Premiership as well as the PRO12, he will bring something different and greatly boost our second row options. With our international locks coming in later to pre-season and other injuries affecting us in that area, it’s great to have Lewis with us in France this week ready to train and play.”

“From meeting with Lewis, I have no doubt that he will fit in well to our environment. He has a lot to catch up on in a short space of time but he’s excited by the challenge.”