Brive have swooped for a second Connacht player for next season - with confirmation coming from France that Abraham Papali'i is moving to the Top 14 club in the summer.
Sammy Arnold was previously announced as a Brive signing and Papali'i, the big tackling no 8, is moving from the westerners on a two-year deal.
“Abraham is a player of Samoan origin who played in New Zealand for many years,” said Brive boss Jeremy Davidson, who had been linked with a possible move to Munster but who is busy building a squad for next season with the French outfit.
“He has already proven his ball-carrying ability in rugby league in France.
"He will add depth to our squad and help us to win the gainline with and without the ball in the years ahead.”
Papali’i will depart Connacht after two years in Galway, having played for Sydney Roosters and Lezignan Sangliers in France in Rugby League.
While he became a bit of a cult favourite for making big hits, Papali'i was also sent off three times last season for high tackles, and he has only played three times for the province this term.
Andy Friend will also lose Ireland international lock Ultan Dillane to France in the summer, with the 28-year-old set to join Ronan O'Gara at La Rochelle.
Connacht take on Munster in the URC at the Sportsground on Saturday.
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