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Opportunity knocks for Connacht to secure a valuable home victory over Conference A leaders Toyota Cheetahs when they visit the Sportsground on Saturday.

Opportunity knocks for Connacht to secure a valuable home victory over Conference A leaders Toyota Cheetahs when they visit the Sportsground on Saturday.

"Disappointed men and some tears" was the natural response in the immediate aftermath of Connacht's 21-13 loss to Ulster in this season's Guinness PRO14 quarter-final, but the club can reflect on more positives, none more so than achieving its primary aim of qualifying for Champions Cup rugby for only the second time on merit.

Unashamedly and deservedly, the ‘Fields of Athenry’ was ringing loud and clear in Kingspan Stadium seven months ago. The hurt and frustration of failing to record a single win against Ulster in Belfast in 59 years ended - a ghost laid to rest at last.

After Connacht's important victory over Perpignan last Saturday, coach Andy Friend instructed his players to savour the moment because next up was a massive challenge against the champions of Europe and the PRO14 title holders.

Connacht coach Andy Friend believes securing a win against Perpignan at the Sportsground (3pm) this weekend in the European Challenge Cup is important to continue the momentum the province has built up over their last three matches as they head into one of the busiest times of the season.

Connacht open the 2018/19 Guinness PRO14 Championship campaign with a host of changes, but what remains the overriding goal is to qualify for Champions Cup rugby next season.

Connacht Rugby's squad for next season continues to take shape with the recruitment of two Irish-qualified forwards this week.

Mayo Day is a day dedicated to the celebration of the arts and culture, vibrant communities, and unquenchable spirit of County Mayo.

Pressure mounts on Connacht Rugby to deliver a winning performance when Cardiff Blues arrive at the Galway Sportsground on Saturday (3.15pm). Cardiff, without a win this season, will take heart from fellow Welsh outfit Dragons, whose fighting performance saw them romp to victory over Kieran Keane's side last weekend. However this week Connacht forwards coach Jimmy Duffy says Connacht are in a better place having completed the review of that 21-8 defeat to Bernard Jackman's side.