James Cannon is the latest player to be added to the Connacht rugby squad ahead of their Champions Cup campaign, which kicks off on 15th October with a home clash against French giants Toulouse.
Connacht will be hoping that Cannon, a second row, can help them ignite their season after a disappointing start that has seen them fail to win a game so far in the Pro12 league.
And if Cannon performs well, he could attract the attention of Joe Schmidt. He won a Grand Slam with England U20s in 2008, coming on as a sub in their crucial final match against Ireland, but has yet to make an appearance for the senior team and qualifies to play for Ireland.
But if it is more points on the board that they need, Connacht fans perhaps shouldn't get their hopes up - in seven years at Northampton Saints and Wasps Cannon failed to score a try. But that is clearly not his main purpose for Connacht.
Connacht head coach Pat Lam said the following after the arrival of Cannon:
James has been part of a competitive mix of second row players at Wasps but has shown his talent when given the chance. He brings a vast amount of experience from playing in both the Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup and will greatly boost our second row options. We’re all looking forward to welcoming him to Connacht Rugby.
James Cannon himself said that he was "excited" about the chance to fight for his place in the side.
