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Connacht Rugby could soon be boosted by the addition of a Super 14 backrow player from New Zealand.

Galwegians are expected to be back in action on Sunday to contest their AIB Cup quarter-final that was postponed last Saturday.

While the weather ruled out all club matches last weekend, it was nevertheless a historic weekend for both the Buccaneers club and Sean Cronin, when the upcoming hooker made his debut at Senior level for Ireland in the comprehensive victory over Fiji at the storm-lashed RDS, Dublin, last Saturday evening.

The odds may be stacked against Connacht when they face Cardiff at the new Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday (3pm), but they will travel with confidence and a greater sense of belief.

Buccaneers face AIB Cup holders Ballynahinch for the first time at home in Dubarry Park, Athlone, on December 5, when the sides clash in a crunch AIB League division 1B encounter kicking off at 2.30pm. Even though the season has not yet reached the halfway stage, this a game that both clubs absolutely must win.

Connacht’s inability to pick up losing bonus points is proving critical in their Magners League campaign.

Unbeaten in their European campaign with two vital on the road victories, Connacht are injecting some deserved impetus into their season.

A poor weekend for all Connacht rugby clubs in AIB League action.

Connacht’s season could hinge on tonight’s big clash with French side Montpellier at the Galway Sportsground (7pm). A victory for either side would ensure a top pool position and a Quarter-Final in this year’s revamped Amlin Challenge Cup competition; a defeat for Connacht would consign them to their constant struggle at the bottom of the Magners League. To top the pool - the first time since 1998 - and bag a Quarter-Final spot would provide Connacht with a home fixture against one of the best Heineken Cup sides in Europe. It is a massive incentive and would also give them some much-needed momentum to take them through the next couple of months.

Connacht travel to Madrid this weekend looking to put the icing on the cake in their final Amlin Challenge Cup pool fixture. Unbeaten and having already qualified, Connacht are now looking at a bonus-winning result to ensure a home quarter-final. And depending on Wasps’ result in France last night, they could even be looking at gaining the top seed for the knock-out stages. Olympus Rugby XV Madrid should not present a banana skin to this current crop of Connacht players, who last week showed considerable focus and nouse in disposing of Montpellier’s efforts to grab the top qualifying spot in pool 2. And coach Michael Bradley is taking nothing for granted, “travelling strong” for this final group fixture.