Niall O'Connor has played 51 times for Ulster

Ulster pair Niall O'Connor and Mark McCrea are to leave the province to play for Connacht next season.

The duo will join Connacht on two-year contracts at the end of the current campaign after completing negotiations.

O'Connor, who has scored 212 points in 51 appearances, started this season as first-choice fly-half with Ulster but has been out of favour in recent weeks.

Winger McCrea has won 25 caps for Ulster but his chances to impress have been limited this season.

Former Connacht favourite George Naoupu from Japan has also been signed up.

The 27-year-old backrower joined Connacht in 2009 before being lured away by the Kobe Steelers in Japan last season.

He appeared 14 times in his six-month spell at Connacht, including scoring a try in Connacht's famous victory over Bourgoin in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final last season.

"McCrea and O'Connor are both outstanding players and they will no doubt add an extra dimension to our backline," said Connacht chief executive Gerry Kelly.

"Recalling George Naoupu from Japan is a big move for us, he was exceptional for Connacht in 2009 and a big loss to the squad when he moved last year.

"George is a dynamic ballcarrier and inspirational player to those around him so we are looking forward to his return."

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