Jarrad Butler: Resilient Connacht still fighting on two fronts

What a difference a couple of weeks, and wins, have made for Connacht.

The Westerners' season was on the brink following the festive defeats to Ulster and Leinster, but bonus-point wins over the Cell C Sharks and Brive's second strings means they are back fighting on two fronts.

Connacht sit five points off the play-offs in the BKT United Rugby Championship and travel to Newcastle Falcons on Saturday knowing another bonus-point success could clinch home advantage in the Challenge Cup knockout stages.

"To be at this point now at a crucial time of the year, still in contention in both competitions, it’s exciting," said Jarrad Butler. "We’ve got something to play for now and we still feel like we can build. There’s a good feeling among the group, for sure."

Butler is feeling the benefits of the rotation policy employed by Andy Friend and Pete Wilkins. While still a key cog in the Connacht back row, the 31-year-old is playing less minutes, with other players stepping up while he recharges the batteries.

"It’s been great. I speak about the back row but it’s been all across the park, the depth and competition we’re getting in positions has been awesome," he said.

"Boyler [Paul Boyle] had been playing really good footy until he got his injury, and I know he’s going to come back raring to go soon. I’m trying to put my best foot forward before he starts running over people again.

"It has been good to be able to refresh and try and come back and add value as best I can. I imagine a lot of the guys would be saying the same."

Now in his sixth season with Connacht, all but two of Butler’s starts this campaign have come at No 8. He has also provided impact off the bench when required, coming on to score a try in that late rally against Ulster