As the GUINNESS PRO12 take a two week break, attention turns to the European Challenge Cup competition and the arrival of French Top 14 side Bayonne to the Sportsground on Saturday (kick off 5pm).
Following Connacht’s 14-6 win over Scarlets on Saturday night, the province is now sitting in 6th place on the PRO12 league table. The bruising round 9 encounter has left versatile forward Andrew Browne nursing an aggravated knee injury. The Galway man is unlikely to be available to Pat Lam and his coaching team this week.
Browne’s second row partner Quinn Roux sustained a minor ankle sprain at the Sportsground on Saturday and has had his training load modified early this week. However, the 24-year-old South African is hoping to be fighting fit ahead of the team announcement on Friday.
Meanwhile, Robbie Henshaw (hip pointer), Ian Porter (foot sprain), Niyi Adeolokun (ankle sprain) and Tiernan O’Halloran (knee) remain unavailable for selection this week.
Aly Muldowney who missed out on the last two games has been cleared fit to play after observing the appropriate return-to-play concussion protocols.
The Connacht Eagles were also in action at the weekend in round three of their British & Irish Cup campaign. The Connacht Eagles were defeated 17 – 7 away to London Scottish who they had beaten 30 – 27 in the last round at the Sportsground.
Centre Conor Finn touched down for a second half try for the Eagles, which outhalf Miah Nikora converted but the hosts had two converted tries and a penalty to reverse last month’s defeat.
There were no major injury concerns arising from the clash and Nigel Carolan’s men are in action away from home again this Saturday when they travel to take on Welsh side Pontypridd at Sardis Road (kick off 2:30pm).
Connacht v Bayonne
Saturday December 6th
the Sportsground
Kick off 17:00
Pontypridd RFC v Connacht Eagles
Saturday December 6th
Sardis Road
Kick off 14:30