Connacht blitz Brive to book last-16 spot in Challenge Cup
Alex Wootton scored a hat-trick as Connacht booked their place in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup with a nine-try demolition of Brive.
Finlay Bealham Sport News
Saturday sport: FA Cup, URC, and GAA action
A big day of third round FA Cup action kicks-off with the possibility of a couple of upsets as Leicester head to Gillingham and Tottenham host managerless Portsmouth.
URC team news: Harry Byrne makes first Leinster start of season
Robert Baloucoune will make his 50th appearance for Ulster when they visit Benetton on Saturday.
Ireland trio back for Connacht's key game with Sharks
Ireland trio Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen are in contention for Connacht's must-win game against the Cell C Sharks on Saturday.
Leinster cut loose late on to dispatch Connacht
United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster began the new year in familiar fashion with a 41-12 bonus-point win over Connacht at the RDS. Tries from David Hawkshaw and Tom Farrell had Connacht just 19-12 behind at half-time, with Liam Turner, Brian Deeny and Jordan Larmour crossing for Leinster. Larmour, Rob Russell, Ryan Baird and Josh van der Flier made it a seven-try victory for Leo Cullen's men, whose only real worry was losing captain Jonathan Sexton to a facial injury.
Leinster start new year in familiar fashion with convincing win against Connacht
United Rugby Championship leaders Leinster began the new year in familiar fashion with a 41-12 bonus-point win over Connacht at the RDS.
Sexton starts for Leinster, but Connacht without key players due to illness
Johnny Sexton will start for Leinster in Sunday's BKT United Rugby Championship Interpro against Connacht (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player), but Tadhg Furlong again misses out with an ankle injury.
URC teams: Nathan Doak at 10 for Ulster as Connacht ring changes
Nathan Doak starts at out-half for Ulster in Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship against Connacht, who have made 12 changes as they chase a seventh win in nine games.