Lansdowne have signed former Leinster outhalf Alan McGowan from Blackrock College.

The 29-year-old playmaker is Leinster's highest scorer in the European Cup with 225 points despite not being involved for the last couple of seasons.

The Dubliner also has one cap for Ireland - against the United States in Dublin in 1994 when he kicked 13 points.

Lansdowne, under new coach Harry Williams, are looking to bolster their squad after under-performing in last season's All-Ireland League.

They will have to plan without provincially contracted players such as Shane Horgan and Gordon D'Arcy. But Brian O'Mahony and Fiachra Baynes, both former under-21 internationals, have joined as have Brian O'Doherty and Chris Pratt.

Hooker Mark McDermott, a member of Munster's European Cup squad, has arrived from Shannon and Anthony Ronan, who also plays hooker, signed from Old Belvedere.