Connacht's squad building continued today with the signing of Samoan centre Niva Ta'auso from Super 14 side Highlanders.

The 28-year-old will not arrive until after he completes his season in New Zealand in October.

Ta'auso is a former Junior All Black and played with Waikato Chiefs prior to joining the Highlanders last year.

He has played 22 times in the Super 14 and but Connacht manager Tim Allnutt believes his experience will be vital to the province.

"Niva is a very powerful strong running centre," he said. "He's a linebreaker and a good distributor of the ball and we feel he'll improve our play in a crucial area".

Last week Connacht signed former Wasps and Glasgow Warriors winger Mike Roberts.