Search Results for 'George Naoupu'

Some six and a half years ago John Muldoon, a newcomer to professional rugby, received his first cap for Connacht against the Scottish Borders. Back then coach Michael Bradley told the 20-years-old that he was there because he was an “all right” rugby player - not because he was home-grown Connacht. Today the Portumna man is one of only two from the province on the Irish team, and he knows he’s there on merit - standing proudly and taller than his 6’3” frame alongside Lions players like Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace, Paul O’Connell.

Connacht’s much anticipated European semi-final has finally arrived. This evening Connacht take on a red-hot Toulon in the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final at the Sportsground. Three weeks since they nailed down their third European semi-final with a nail-biting 23 - 20 win over another French side Bourgoin, Connacht have been gearing up for what is billed as their most important challenge of the season. It is once again David versus Goliath; joint top in the French league against the bottom Magners League outfit; an expensively assembled squad up against Ireland’s Cinderella province with one-seventh of the French side’s budget. But with the fixture already a sell-out, some 8,000 supporters will be baying for French blood come 7.45pm. Connacht are well used to being underdogs, but they will need to be on top of their game against Toulon whose extravagant budget and star-studded line-up has been well documented.

Connacht’s much anticipated European semi-final has finally arrived. Tomorrow evening Connacht take on a red-hot Toulon in the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final at the Galway Sportsground.

Micahel Bradley will be looking for the same resolve that ensured Connacht overcame Bourgoin by 23 - 20 when they host Munster on Sunday.

Connacht’s front-line players will return from injury for Saturday’s much-anticipated European quarter-final against Bourgoin at the Sportsground on Saturday (1pm).

Connacht’s front-line players will return from injury for Saturday’s much-anticipated European quarter-final against Bourgoin at the Sportsground on Saturday (1pm).

Connacht’s resurgent home form will be tested on Saturday (4.30pm) when they enter Leinster’s den for their first Magners League clash this season.

Connacht will need to be the team on fire when they host their first fixture on a St Patrick’s Day (6.30pm) against the in-form Newport Gwent Dragons.

The transformation is not yet complete, but Connacht came as close as they could against the Ospreys in Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

A 10 try, 66-0 victory, over Madrid rounded off an incredible European Pool campaign for Connacht on Saturday in the unusual surroundings of the Spanish capital. The result confirmed Connacht's position as top seeds in the Challenge Cup and European Rugby's only unbeaten side. The seeding guarantees a home quarter final, and, should they win, a home semi final.