Newcastle Falcons have signed prop Conor Kenny from Irish Pro 14 side Connacht on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old made 11 first-team appearances in his time for the Irish provincial team and has represented Ireland at various youth levels.
"When I spoke to [director of rugby] Dean Richards, I was taken by where he wants the club to go," Kenny said.
"I want to play for a guy like that at a club with those values, and it always felt like a good fit."