Andy Friend’s side get the required result after nervous display at the Sportsground

Paddy Jackson manages a solitary penalty as Friend’s side secure bonus point in France

Connacht go into Challenge Cup encounter with four wins in a row in all competitions

Friend’s squad in confident mood following the successive victories in South Africa

Quinn Roux and Finlay Bealham also back in Andy Friend’s XV for Challenge Cup clash

Friend’s side firmly focused on completing a successful mission in South Africa

Kyle Godwin scores two tries as hosts win Challenge Cup opener at the Sportground

Andy Friend reshuffles province for physical Champions Cup opener with Bordeaux

Go for entertainment or cold blooded inquisition. Anything else is painful viewing

Pro14 preview: Connacht v Scarlets, Sportsground (5.15, live on TG4, Premier Sports)

Bundee Aki is also included in the starting XV having come off the bench in Murrayfield

Backs coach Carolan expects province to win but is wary of Italian side’s unpredictability

Early home games against Glasgow, Scarlets and Leinster could set tone for the season

‘What I want to do is take Connacht to the next level, get in the team, start every week’

Leinster contemplate Contepomi as Munster look forward to Carbery’s influence

Leo Cullen’s side profit from superior skillset and accuracy of their passing

Ding-dong battle at the RDS is decided by a single point at the final whistle

Hosts have physicality to meet Edinburgh head on plus greater variety in attack

JJ Hanrahan is also retained at outhalf with Ian Keatley among the replacements

Kiwi coach’s premature departure comes just as it seems his methods would bear fruit

Ulster will now face European Champions Cup playoff against Ospreys

Munster flourish comes too late as French side set up final date with Leinster

‘It’s really hot out there . . . that will definitely be a challenge’

Springbok starts for Cheetahs as Van Graan makes nine changes to visitors’ line-up

Players who accumulate most Pro14 minutes tend not to be playing Test rugby

Stunning late Andrew Conway try seals place in Champions Cup semi-finals for Munster

On paper the odds appear stacked against Munster - until Thomond Park factor kicks in

Defending champions made to pay for first half profligacy as province turn the screw

Backrow signs two-year deal at the Sportsground and heads to Galway in the summer

Billy Holland captains the side against Glasgow in his 180th appearance for the province

South African secondrow receives warm ovation from home supporters at Thomond Park

Other Irish provinces now benefitting hugely from numbers going through the system

New head coach presides over bonus-point win as Ospreys brushed aside at Musgrave Park

Alex Wootton crosses twice as Johann van Graan watches on from the sidelines

Simon Zebo grabs an early try while Sammy Arnold runs in two late on on seasonal debut

Darren O’Shea and Sam Arnold in senior squad for first time as Jean Kleyn returns

Province begin Champions Cup campaign with error-strewn draw to forget in France

Return of razor-sharp Earls a significant boost for more ambitious Munster

Late try from Keith Earls earns important bonus point for visitors at Aviva Stadium

Despite some missing men, Munster’s captain is ready to lead by example once again