Search Results for 'George Naoupu'

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’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).

Connacht coach Eric Elwood continues to sweat on the availability of some key players for the first interprovincial of this season’s RaboDirect Pro 12. Elwood is delaying naming his starting XV for Saturday’s clash with Leinster at the RDS (5pm) to allow players as much time as possible to recover. Key players include captain Gavin Duffy (calf), winger Tiernan O’Halloran (hamstring), and Eoin Griffin (hamstring). Also carrying injuries, but expected to recover are Frank Murphy (groin), Henry Fa’afili (hip), TJ Anderson (ribs) and Brian Tuohy. James Loxton, who came on as a replacement in his first Pro 12 game last weekend, is ruled out with a medial strain, joining Keith Matthews, Miah Nikora, and Andrew Browne and George Naoupu

Connacht coach Eric Elwood continues to sweat on the availability of some key players for the first interprovincial of this season’s RaboDirect Pro 12.

Connacht’s biggest season since the game turned professional kicks off on Saturday when the province travels to Italy to face Benetton Treviso in the newly-named Rabo Direct Pro 12 League. Having achieved a best place finish in the Celtic League last season, Connacht’s task now is to consolidate that position, while enjoying the glamour that Heineken Cup rugby will bring to the province for the first time.

Connacht’s biggest season since the game turned professional kicks off on Saturday when the province travels to Italy to face Benetton Treviso in the newly-named Rabo Direct Pro 12 League.

Irish squad member Mike McCarthy returns to Connacht for tomorrow’s final pre-season fixture with English premiership side Saracens in London (6.45pm).

Connacht Rugby’s European fate for next season will be decided on Saturday when Leinster face Northampton Saints in the Heineken Cup final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium (5pm).

Connacht Rugby has bagged the signature of high-profile former Otago Highlander winger Fetu'u Vainikolo.