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Connacht are preparing for a massive backlash from English premiership champions Harlequins when Heineken Cup rugby returns to the Galway Sportsground on Saturday.

Connacht complete their pre-season fixture list when they return to the Stoop to face familiar foes Harlequins on Saturday (2.45pm).

Three Connacht players have joined an illustrious list of European stars in this week’s pick of the Heineken Cup round six fixtures.

It is a win that may mean different things to different people, but for the collective Connacht Rugby, it will go down in history.

Connacht Rugby may not be in the best place at the moment, but veteran Michael Swift reckons there is nowhere better to play than the home of French champions Toulouse this weekend.

Conncht Rugby may not be in the best place at the moment, but veteran Michael Swift reckons there is nowhere better to play than the home of French champions Toulouse this weekend.

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.

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.

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.