McCartney who plays predominantly at hooker but can also deputise at loosehead, is the second big Southern Hemisphere signing made by the western province in the last week following Chiefs centre Bundee Aki.

McCartney has made two Super Rugby starts for the Auckland franchise this season and will join on a three-year deal following seven seasons with the Blues.

Connacht head coach Pat Lam welcomed the acquisition of his former player saying: “We’re delighted to be in a position to announce Tom for next season. Hooker was a key area that we had to target for recruitment. There is clearly a shortage for all Irish clubs in this specialised position but especially at Connacht where this year Sean Henry endured a season-ending injury and where young Dave Heffernan and sub Academy player Jack Dinneen have only been converted from back row to hooker in the last year.

“I have worked with Tom at both Auckland and the Blues in New Zealand and he is an excellent team man who was a key member of our leadership group… I have no doubt that Tom will make the same impression here, both with the team and with the wonderful Connacht supporters.

“Securing Tom was high on our priority list and the coaching staff are excited about bringing in such an experienced hooker who has also proven skillful at loosehead prop where he played for the Blues and Auckland Rugby. With the unfortunate loss of Brett Wilkinson due to injury, this type of versatility is invaluable for the squad going forward,” added Lam.

McCartney brings a wealth of experience to the Connacht set-up having amassed an impressive 64 Super Rugby appearances since making his debut in 2008 and a further 84 provincial appearances for Auckland, making him the side’s most capped active player.

The front-row known affectionately as ‘The Freak’ is looking forward to working under Lam, who handed him his first provincial start for Auckland in 2007, again.

“After talking with Pat Lam, I’m really excited about the move up to Connacht to help achieve their vision. I’ve obviously worked under Pat before and I really enjoy his coaching philosophy… I owe a lot of my career achievements to him from those early days.

“I believe Galway is a fantastic city and both myself and my fiancée Taryn, whose grandfather is from County Cork, are really looking forward to settling in over there.

“I’ve been with the Blues and Auckland Rugby for over seven years now and enjoyed every minute. But this move is a fantastic opportunity and the challenge I’ve been looking for.”

McCartney will join Lam’s side after this year’s ITM Cup in New Zealand in October.