Connacht rugby have signed Samoan back James So’oialo for next season.

The 24-year-old played in the 2011 World Cup for Samoa and is in their squad for their upcoming summer tour to South Africa.

The utility back is the younger brother of former All-Blacks Number 8 Rodney So'oialo and former Harlequins scrum-half Stephen So'oialo.

He has signed a two-year deal from Wellington Norths and incoming Connacht Head Coach Pat Lam, who has worked with him before, said:

“James is a superb utility back who can play all positions but half back. He can kick goals from up to 60 metres out and I’m sure with the Galway wind, we will see him kick from even further out.

“To have someone in our squad with so much versatility and who can kick goals from that distance is a real weapon in our armoury. James will join us for the pre-season straight from his summer duties with Samoa and I’m looking forward to catching up with him then.”

Following Leinster’s Amlin Challenge Cup win at the weekend, Connacht has secured a place in the Heineken Cup for a third consecutive year.

“We will be competing in the Heineken Cup again next season and that is fantastic. We have seen the positive impact the competition has had on the community over the last two years," said Lam.

“To be playing against the best teams in the most elite rugby competition is where we want to be and this is how we grow and build on the work that has been done over the last number of years."