Back rowers Eoin McKeon, George Naoupu and Eoghan Masterson have become the latest players to sign new contract extensions with Connacht Rugby and the IRFU.

Connacht secured the eighth and last quarter-final place in this season's European Challenge Cup with a dramatic finish at Stade Marcel Deflandre last night.

A late two-try salvo saw Connacht book their European Challenge Cup quarter-final place in France tonight with a 30-20 bonus point win over La Rochelle.

Connacht, who boast an enviable record against French clubs in the European Challenge Cup, are targeting a bonus point win away to La Rochelle as they try to qualify for the quarter-finals as one of the best runners-up.

The Connacht Eagles, sponsored by NUI Galway, will play national side Germany at the Sportsground on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

Connacht head coach Pat Lam has made six changes - four of them up front - to his team to face La Rochelle in the final pool game of the European Challenge Cup.

Pat Lam has signed a new three-year deal with Connacht Rugby and the IRFU to remain in the position of Connacht head coach until at least the summer of 2018.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced new two-year deals for props Nathan White, Ronan Loughney and Finlay Bealham.

With a quarter-final spot still up for grabs in the European Challenge Cup, the Connacht squad were straight back to training in Galway today ahead of the away clash with La Rochelle next Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm local time/5.30pm Irish time).

Connacht lost their grip on a seven-point interval lead as Exeter Chiefs turned on the power in the second half of this exciting European Challenge Cup encounter at the Sportsground.

Connacht front row forward Tom McCartney has been named the province's Player of the Month for December in association with Hartmanns Jewellers and Seiko Watches.

The top two teams meet in what could be a pivotal clash in Pool 2 of the European Challenge Cup, with second-placed Connacht aiming to leapfrog Exeter Chiefs and take a step closer to a quarter-final berth.

The Connacht team to face Exeter Chiefs in round 5 of the European Challenge Cup at the Sportsground on Sunday (kick-off 3.15pm) has been named. Head coach Pat Lam has made four personnel changes to the side that lost to Edinburgh.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have today announced that 24-year-old centre Dave McSharry has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2017.

Connacht Eagles were in clinical form as their 17-point first half tally was enough to overcome a young Leinster 'A' team in today's 'A' interprovincial clash at the Sportsground.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have today announced new contracts for second rows Quinn Roux and Ultan Dillane.

The Connacht Eagles will play Leinster 'A' at the Sportsground on Wednesday (kick-off 4pm) in just their second interpro game of the season.

Connacht's eight-match unbeaten home record this season was ended by Edinburgh who triumphed 16-13 in very wet and windy conditions at the Sportsground.

Connacht will try to extend their unbeaten home record this season to nine games when they entertain eighth-placed Edinburgh at the Sportsground on Friday.

Head coach Pat Lam has named his Connacht team to face Edinburgh at the Sportsground on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm). There is just one change to the side that defeated Munster 24-16 last week.

Ahead of Friday's GUINNESS PRO12 encounter with Edinburgh at the Sportsground, Connacht head coach Pat Lam confirmed that lock Quinn Roux will remain on loan with the province until at least the end of the 2014/15 season.

Connacht claimed the prized scalp of provincial rivals Munster, scoring three tries in a memorable 24-16 New Year's Day victory in gusty Galway.

The first big Irish rugby fixture of 2015 sees Connacht and Munster collide in a mouth-watering New Year's Day battle at the Sportsground, with both sides looking to end the festive period on a high.

Connacht head coach Pat Lam has named his team for the sold-out New Year's Day clash with Munster at the Sportsground (kick-off 5pm). There are seven changes to the starting line-up from the Ulster game.