Details of the 23-year-old Venter's contract are due to emerge in the coming week when he arrives in Galway, but Connacht manager Tim Allnutt expects him to be a good addition, especially with Peter Bracken having departed to Wasps.

"Frik's preferred position is loosehead, but he can also play both sides in the front row and as a hooker," admitted Allnutt.

"He is a good ball carrier and will give us a lot of options for the coming season."

Venter played his first ever Currie Cup match last month, in helping the Sharks to a 37-23 defeat of the Boland Cavaliers at the ABSA Stadium.

Connacht gear up for the 2005/06 season with a tasty friendly fixture against Leicester Tigers at the Sportsground on Friday, August 18 (kick-off 6.30pm).

Back row Mick Carroll and full-back/fly-half Dave Hewitt, who have both been on full-time contracts with Connacht, will both be playing their rugby in Paris next season with Metro Racing, who are a Pro Division 2 side.

Both Carroll and Hewitt have underage international honours, with the 23-year-old Carroll having lined out for Ireland Under-21s previously.