Loosehead Prop Francois van Wyk Signs for Connacht from Bath

Connacht have signed experienced loosehead prop Francois van Wyk from Bath. Van Wyk will arrive next season after spending nine seasons in England at Bath, Leicester and Northampton. He featured 28 times for Bath last season, helping them to secure the Gallagher Premiership title, and has been an ever-present member of the matchday 23 this season. Prior to his arrival at Bath he had three years in Leicester, and then four in Northampton where he made over 80 appearances. The 34-year-old South African first moved to England in 2017 after four years in Super Rugby, playing 21 times for Western Force. "I'm really looking forward to the move to Connacht in the summer," he said. "The opportunity of experiencing a new country, in a new league, is something that appeals to me at this stage of my career. "From my discussions with everyone in Connacht I'm in no doubt that I can make a positive impact to the playing group and help bring success to the west of Ireland." Head coach Stuart Lancaster believes the new arrival can make an impact, adding: "We're confident Francois can be a real asset to the group next season. "He’s an excellent scrummager, brings huge physicality whenever he plays, and comes with a wealth of experience at the highest level of northern hemisphere rugby. He plays an important role in a very successful Bath team, and we’re looking forward to him bringing those learnings from across his career." Meanwhile Munster have handed a two-year contract extension to flanker John Hodnett (above) that will keep him at the province until 2028. A Grand Slam winner with the Ireland Under-20s in 2019, Hodnett came up through the ranks with Clonakilty RFC and was Player of the Match on his senior Munster debut against Southern Kings in 2020. After recovering from an achilles injury, he made his Champions Cup debut in the away win over Wasps in December 2021. He was selected on the Emerging Ireland squad for the South Africa tour at the start of the 2022/23 season and enjoyed another strong campaign in 2023/24, winning his 50th Munster cap against Connacht on New Year's Day. His seven tries in 23 appearances last season included three tries in five Champions Cup games and earned a first call-up by Andy Farrell to the Ireland squad. Injuries have limited his impact so far this term but he is expected to return from a thumb injury shortly.