Connacht Sign Second Row Cannon

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the recruitment of Irish-qualified second row James Cannon from Wasps.

The Aviva Premiership side have agreed terms that free up the 28-year-old lock to join Connacht for the 2016/17 season.

James Cannon, who stands at 6ft 8in and was born in Kettering, England, played 93 games in six seasons at Wasps after he began his professional career at Northampton Saints. He was part of the England Under-20s’ Grand Slam-winning squad in 2008.

Cannon has been included in Connacht’s European Champions Cup squad that was registered last week. He has arrived in Galway and joined up with his new team-mates at the Sportsground today.

Commenting on the province’s latest recruit, Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane said: “James is a player that we have been interested in for some time now so we’re excited to be welcoming him to the Sportsground and to Connacht Rugby.”

The westerners’ head coach Pat Lam added: “James has been part of a competitive mix of second row players at Wasps but has shown his talent when given the chance. He brings a vast amount of experience from playing in both the Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup and will greatly boost our second row options. We’re all looking forward to welcoming him to Connacht Rugby.”

Cannon stated: “I’m very excited about the new challenge in Connacht and look forward to working hard to try to get more first team opportunities and to play my part within the squad.”

Meanwhile, ahead of next Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 game at home to Edinburgh, the Connacht Rugby medical team have provided the following update.
 
Andrew Browne sustained a thigh injury in training last week and is awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the injury.
 
Eoin Griffin sustained a minor hamstring injury during the 17-8 defeat to the Scarlets and will be further assessed by the medical team today.
 
Danie Poolman and Peter Robb have both been cleared to resume full training and are available for selection, while new signing Cannon came through a routine medical examination today and was cleared fit to train and play.