COPELAND PENS DEAL WITH CONNACHT

ROBIN COPELAND will step into the shoes of the legendary John Muldoon at Connacht next season.

The province yesterday confirmed that the Munster No 8 will join from Munster on a two-year deal.

The province’s interest in landing the Wexford native was revealed by the Irish Independent last week and the province hope to strengthen their ranks further with the signing of Australian back Kyle Godwin.

The Brumbie can play out-half or centre and won one cap for the Wallabies in 2017. He is out of contract at the end of the current Super Rugby season. He could replace Andrew Deegan who has returned to Australia to link up with Western Force.

Meanwhile, Ulster are interested in signing Bordeaux’s Fijian outhalf Metuisela Talebula to replace Christian Leali’ifano for the rest of the season. The 26-year-old has played 12 times for the Top 14 side this season but has been out of favour since December.

Ulster have been on the lookout for a replacement for the popular Wallaby out-half who departed the Kingspan Stadium in January after fulfilling his short-term deal.