Springbok flyhalf signs for Connacht

The 27-year-old from Nelspruit currently plays for Super Rugby side the Lions. He was capped for the Springboks in their mid-year Test against Scotland in June 2014.

Boshoff made his Super Rugby debut in in a man-of-the-match performance in the opening round of the 2014 season, scoring all the Lions' points - including a last-minute drop goal - to help them beat the Cheetahs 21-20 in Bloemfontein. He now has 29 Super Rugby caps and 214 points to his name.

He was selected to represent the Barbarians in their November 2014 tour of England. Coming on as a replacement, the flyhalf scored a try in the 36-40 defeat to Australia XV at Twickenham.

Boshoff has played for the Golden Lions since 2013, scoring 465 points in 25 games for the current Currie Cup champions. Over last year's campaign, he had a 94 percent goal-kicking average and kicked eight from eight in the semifinal and a further 12 points in the final win over Western Province to take the title.

Commenting on the new recruit, Connacht CEO Willie Ruane said: "Marnitz comes to Connacht with a lot of big match experience and we're excited about what he can bring to the squad for next season."

Head coach Pat Lam added: "In the context of where we are and where we are planning to be, Marnitz is an important signing for our squad. A lot of time and research went into identifying the right, experienced outhalf to fit the profile we were after.

"Marnitz is not only a proven and reliable goal kicker with an outstanding kicking game, but his game management has seen the rise of the Lions in Super Rugby over the last three seasons as well as him leading the Golden Lions to Currie Cup success.

"His experience will be invaluable to our young backline and we're looking forward to welcoming him and his wife Monique to the West of Ireland."