Brian Tuohy signs for Connacht

LIMERICKMAN Brian Tuohy is among the new signings confirmed by Connacht rugby coach Michael Bradley as he rebuilds for the 2009/10 rugby season - former multiple AIL medal winner with Shannon, Tuohy has joined Connacht from English League One side, the Cornish Pirates.
The versatile Tuohy, who is equally adept at full-back and centre, lined out for the Irish Sevens side at the Rugby World Cup in Dubai earlier this year.
Tuohy joins two more Limerick natives, hooker Sean Cronin and centre Keith Matthews, at the Sportsgrounds in Galway.
Twenty six-year-old Tuohy was an AIB League Division One winner with Shannon in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and made one Celtic League appearance for Munster. After failing to make the breakthrough with his home province, he moved to the Earth Titans. In 2006-07 he scored 17 tries in the league for Earth Titans before joining the Cornish side. He was the leading try-scorer for the Yorkshire club, his total putting him impressively third in National One’s top try-scoring list.
Tuohy first rugby was played at the UL Bohemian club aged 9. His undoubted talent was further nurtured at Crescent College Comprehensive from 1995 to 2001. He played three seasons for the first XV and captained them in his final year.
Brian was a try-scorer for Shannon in 2005 against Belfast Harlequins at Lansdowne Road, a victory which saw the Parish side capture the All-Ireland Division One title
Meanwhile, Munster rugby chiefs are expecting to learn whether South African centre Jean de Villiers will join the province within the next fortnight. The double Heineken Cup champions are hoping to acquire the services of the high-rated Sormers and Springbok centre for the coming season.
De Villiers, who didn’t feature in the South African side in Saturday’s third Test with the Lions, is seen as a natural replacement for the departed Rua Tipoki.
Reports emanating from South Africa indicate that 28-year-old de Villiers plans to discuss his future with both the Western Province and South African management teams later this week before indicating his next move.
De Villiers’ agent Stan Matthews indicated that while the centre had been approached by Munster over a move to the Magners League holders he had yet to make a decision.
Matthews also revealed that De Villiers had received an offer from a French club.

Colm Kinsella