Image: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO
A QUICK GLANCE at the Leicester Tigers team named to play Connacht today [KO 8pm, BT Sport] tells you everything you need to know about their approach to this game.
Leicester do not see themselves as a Challenge Cup side. This will be only their 10th ever outing in the competition. Connacht, on the other hand, have played 126 games in European Rugby’s second-tier tournament.
At the moment, this is Connacht’s level, and a win today would harden their belief that they can finally come out on top in a competition they have been so synonymous with down the years.
Permanent move for Wootton among 21 new contracts announced by Connacht
Oran McNulty and Cian Prendergast have signed professional deals, while 19 of the existing senior squad have signed on for next season. By Gavan Casey Thursday 11 Mar 2021, 4:24 PM Mar 11th 2021, 4:24 PM 9,018 Views 11 Comments
Alex Wootton scoring his second try against the Cardiff Blues in February.
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that 21 players have signed new contracts with the province ahead of the 2021/2022 season.
In all, 19 players from Andy Friend’s existing senior squad have extended their respective stays at the Sportsground, with Oran McNulty and Cian Prendergast making the jump from academy contracts to full-time deals.
Andy Friend and Denis Buckley have their eye on European silverware. By Sean Farrell Wednesday 10 Mar 2021, 6:44 AM Mar 10th 2021, 6:44 AM 6,490 Views 2 Comments
Abraham Papali i gets a shove on in training yesterday.
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
Image: James Crombie/INPHO
THE CHALLENGE CUP draw could have been kinder to Connacht, but Andy Friend’s side are not going to balk at the task ahead of them in Europe.
The western province were yesterday pitted into an away knockout tie against Leicester Tigers on Easter weekend. They have not won on English soil since defeating Worcester over a decade ago, but now that the Pro14 is officially beyond them, the Challenge Cup is the only carrot worth chasing.
Control key as Connacht bring big guns to Benetton
The western province are riding high in Conference B and ought to have plenty in reserve in Treviso. By Sean Farrell Friday 26 Feb 2021, 7:00 AM Feb 26th 2021, 7:00 AM 3,342 Views 1 Comment
Image: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
THERE’S NO NEED to go making this interesting.
Benetton Rugby will kick off this evening’s Pro14 meeting against Connacht (kick-off 17.30, TG4) without a win to their name.
Connacht arrived in Italy last night with every right to feel they can still challenge Munster for top spot in Conference B. Yet the western province will be wary of opening up their stride too much lest this potential banana skin force them to look downward rather than up.
Bundee Aki s last minute try seals victory for Connacht in Treviso
Connacht beat Benetton Treviso 19-17 to keep the pressure on Munster in Conference B. By Garry Doyle Friday 26 Feb 2021, 7:42 PM Feb 26th 2021, 7:42 PM 12,867 Views 14 Comments
Bundee Aki is tackled by Luca Morisi.
Image: Elena Barbini/INPHO
Image: Elena Barbini/INPHO
Connacht 19
THEY ROLLED THE dice and their numbers didn’t come up. Then out of nowhere, the dealer gave them another try.
Two minutes were left on the clock. They were that close to a sickening defeat. Yet Connacht turned down a second chance to take a shot at goal that would have earned them a draw.