Brink gives Ulster an edge

Robbie Brink, the former South Africa international, is one of four new signings confirmed by Ulster for the coming season. Australian David Allen and New Zealanders Adam Larkin and Matt Sexton have also been added to the squad by Ulster's new coach Alan Solomons.

Brink, who previously played with Western Province and the Stormers and won seven Springbok caps as a blindside flanker, arrived in Belfast on Monday and trained with the squad yesterday.

Allen, an openside flanker, played with the Easts club in Australia and is Irish qualified. He turned his back on a possible Super 12 contract and is due to arrive on Friday.

Larkin, formerly of North Harbour, Bristol and Castres, is also Irish qualified and was a team-mate of David Corkery's at Bristol. The 27-year-old is a utility back, favours the centre position.

Sexton, the 30-year-old Canterbury hooker, will join the squad at the start of September, having enjoyed substantial game-time with the Crusaders.

In addition to the squad named below, Neil Doak (Harlequins), Stan McDowell (Ballymena), Derek Topping (Ballymena) plus Ulster members of the National Academy have been involved in training.

Ulster (squad for the 2000/2001 season): B Free, K Campbell, D Humphreys, P Wallace, T Howe, J. Topping, J Cunningham, S Coulter, J Bell, R. Constable, S Stewart, A Larkin, B. Cunningham, N Malone, S Young, J Fitzpatrick, S Best, C Boyd, J Campbell, M Sexton, R Weir, P Shields, J Davidson, G Longwell, P Johns, M Blair, A Kearney, M McCullough, R Brink, A Ward, D Allen, M. Haslett, A Hughes, T McWhirter, R Nelson, C McCarey.

Connacht coach Steph Nel is remaining tight-lipped about his preparations for the coming season. The club are expected to announce some high-profile signings early next week but the South African said: "I don't want to make any comment yet. We have a hell of a fixture list ahead of us, but we're really looking forward to it."

There are reports that Andy Dunne, Paul O'Connell, Peter Bracken, and Aidan McCullen may be contracted to Connacht.