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Connacht's disappointing Guinness Pro 12 season comes to an end on Saturday with coach Pat Lam urging his players to redeem themselves after their worst performance in three years.

Possibly - and hopefully - not Connacht's last home fixture this season, but Saturday is the final Pro 12 game in the Galway Sportsground, and most probably their last as the champions.

Linley MacKenzie

Long-serving Connacht forward John Muldoon will make his 300th appearance on Saturday evening against Leinster at the Sportsground. At 34 years of age and in his 14th season, having made his debut off the bench against the Borders in 2003, Muldoon's leadership and longevity have ensured his place in the record books.

John Muldoon is no ordinary rugby player. He is a warrior, a Connacht warrior. Leading with his head, tackling with his heart and his soul, and loyal to the last - a one-club man. A rare breed.

Long-serving Connacht forward John Muldoon will make his 300th appearance on Saturday evening against Leinster at the Sportsground.

It has been a poor couple of weeks for Connacht. Losses to Glasgow and Zebre have been compounded by the nature of the defeats - games which could have been won by the chances created. Now, however, Connacht need to show their true colours, and secure a play-off for next season's Champions Cup.

This time last year Connacht were working their way to a first Guinness Pro 12 trophy and Champions Cup rugby. Twelve months later they are facing a possible play-off against the French or English to qualify again. It is hardly the position they expected to be in - certainly not returning to Parma to play Zebre in the refixed Pro 12 game this Saturday - when Irish eyes are in Thomond Park.

This time last year Connacht were working their way to a first Guinness Pro 12 trophy and Champions Cup rugby. Twelve months later they are facing a possible play-off against the French or English to qualify again. It is hardly the position they expected to be in - certainly not returning to Parma to play Zebre in the refixed Pro 12 game this Saturday - when Irish eyes are in Thomond Park.

e on the line in this next block of four Guinness Pro 12 fixtures, starting on Saturday with an away fixture to Glasgow Warriors. And to make the task that more challenging for the title holders, it involves three away fixtures on the bounce, starting with the 2015 champions, and finishing with a home game against Leinster.