Michael Bradley's side start their campaign against Borders

The 26-year-old flanker linked up with his new team-mates for training on Thursday at the Sportsground and is looking forward to the new season.

"I've always wanted to play in the northern hemisphere," said Ofisa.

Ofisa played all his youths rugby in Samoa but at 19 moved to New Zealand to further his career.

In New Zealand he played for the Colts U21 side in Otago before going on to play for North Otago, winning promotion with them last season.

Ofisa could make his debut against the Border Reivers on 1 September.

A run of seven home matches for Connacht will start with a game against the Ospreys on 8 September.