RUGBY:CONNACHT'S EUROPEAN campaign has been boosted with the addition of two new props, one of whom will travel with the squad for the Amlin Cup opener in Italy.
Australian Barry Fa’amausili will be on duty this weekend when Connacht face I Cavalieri Estra in Pool One while South African Dylan Rogers, who has only joined the team this week, will remain at home for this one.
New Zealand-born (22) Fa’amausili, who joined the squad several weeks ago, was injured in a training session but is now passed fit and looks set to receive his first cap for the province. He has represented Australia at schools and under-19 levels.
Both players are currently on three-month trials as Connacht seek to replace the injured Robbie Morris. Rogers (26), who can play on both sides of the frontrow, is regarded as a mobile and powerful player. A technically-strong scrummager, Rogers was located through former Connacht and Leinster prop Stephen Knoop who has returned to South Africa.
Rogers cut his teeth playing for the University of Cape Town in the Super A league and Varsity Cup before earning himself an opportunity in the Vodacom Cup with Griquas.
Coach Eric Elwood has been further boosted by the return of captain John Muldoon. Although troubled by a groin injury since fracturing his arm playing for Ireland against the All Blacks, Muldoon came through a training session yesterday and is expected to be named in the starting line-up.
