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It is the biggest day in Connacht’s history. After 15 seasons of Amlin Cup rugby, during which time the ultimate goal has always been to play Heineken Cup rugby, the day has finally arrived.

Connacht’s only World Cup player, Fetu’u Vainikolo, is in line to make his debut for the province in Saturday evening’s RaboDirect Pro 12 fixture against Cardiff at the Galway Sportsground (6pm). The Tongan World Cup player, who has played on both left and right wings, has been recovering from a medial ligament tear and is expected to make his first start for Connacht this weekend. The 26-years-old, who signed for Connacht from the Otago Highlanders, returned to Galway after Tonga’s exit from the World Cup. After a late call-up to the Tonga squad, Vainikolo was given a starting place in Tonga's 25-20 loss to Canada, and scored a try against Japan in the group matches before suffering a knee injury. Connacht coach Eric Elwood says Vainikolo has returned from New Zealand full of confidence.

Connacht captain Gavin Duffy is calling on the province to get behind the team as they head into their first Heineken Cup rugby campaign.

Former Connacht player Colm Rigney has been appointed head coach of Galwegians next season, and he will be assisted by Connacht fullback Gavin Duffy.

Connacht take a rest from action this week with the A side taking on visiting Russians Enisei STM in two matches at the Galway Sportsground.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood will spend part of the next two weeks in camp with the Ireland A squad. The Wolfhounds, as they are known, play Scotland A on the Friday before Ireland’s Six Nations opener in Italy.

Despite the big freeze Connacht are expecting the St Stephen’s Day Magners League clash with Munster to go ahead at the Sportsground. Weather forecasts suggest a thaw on Christmas Day and the straw which helped prevent the frost setting in for Friday night’s clash with Harlequins has been put down again and for the moment at least appears to be working according to Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly.

Connacht will be looking to get back to winning ways in the Sportsground on St Stephen’s Day when they take on Munster in the Magners League, but Eric Elwood’s charges will have to do so without the services of their inspirational captain John Muldoon. The 28-year-old Connacht forward suffered another injury in a season that has been blighted with setbacks. In Connacht’s Amlin Challenge Cup defeat at home to Harlequins the Portumna native broke his arm, it is the second time this year he has suffered from a broken arm, he broke it against New Zealand in the first of the summer tour tests in the southern hemisphere. However it is hoped that the break is not as serious as the one he sustained on international duty and he will be back in action in number of weeks as opposed to months.

A home win has become a major priority for Connacht when they host Harlequins in tomorrow’s return European match at the Galway Sportsground (7pm).

Connacht fullback Gavin Duffy is in line to play his 100th game for the province when the current Magners League champions Ospreys visit tomorrow evening (7.05pm).