Rugby:Connacht coach Eric Elwood anticipates a good working relationship with Kyle Tonetti, who announced earlier this week that he would be leaving Sale Sharks to join the Western province.
Elwood worked with the centre during his time with the Irish Under 20 side.
“I'm really looking forward to working with Kyle again, having known him since the '07 U20's team that won the 6 Nations and I'm sure he will fit nicely into the squad,” said Elwood.
“We're looking forward to him joining up with the team and working with him again."
The former Leinster centre represented Ireland at U19 and U20 level and was part of the 2007 Under 20 Six Nations Grand Slam winning team. Current Connacht players Andrew Browne, Paul O'Donohoe, TJ Anderson and Niall O'Connor were also part of that successful season.
A former pupil of St. Gerard's School in Bray, Tonetti joined the Leinster Academy in 2007 and spent two years professionally contracted to the Province, earning 21 Leinster 'A' caps and three senior caps, the last against Connacht in April 2010.
Tonetti, who can also play at outhalf, has signed a deal that will see him play at the Sportsground until at least the end of the 2011/12 season.
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