The Connacht squad travel to Claremorris RFC on Friday for an open training session at 9.30am. The light session will be part of the ongoing pre-season training programme ahead of the newly revamped GUINNESS PRO14 Championship.

With the start of the GUINNESS PRO14 season just around the corner, the first fixtures list for the newly-expanded Championship has been revealed.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of former Ulster and Ireland Under-20 winger Rory Scholes for the 2017/18 season.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of Andrew Deegan from Super Rugby side New South Wales Waratahs. The 22-year-old out-half, who has been capped by Australia at Schools and Under-20 level, has represented the Waratahs, the NSW Country Eagles and Randwick.

Connacht Rugby have agreed to the release of Marnitz Boshoff from the remaining year of his contract on compassionate grounds. Boshoff, who is currently in South Africa, requested to return home to be closer to his family after the sudden and tragic passing of his father earlier this year.

Celtic Rugby and the South African Rugby Union have today confirmed that the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings will join an expanded GUINNESS PRO14 tournament in time for the upcoming 2017/18 season.

Connacht Rugby, in partnership with BLK Sport, have unveiled their new home kit for the 2017/18 season. To mark the launch, Bundee Aki, Ultan Dillane and captain John Muldoon will be meeting supporters at the Intersport Elverys Corbett Court Store in Galway city centre tomorrow at 4.45pm.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of 25-year-old back rower Jarrad Butler on a three-year deal.

The 2017/18 British & Irish Cup fixtures have been announced today, with the pool stages running from October to January.

Incoming Connacht head coach Kieran Keane has given an insight into his appointment to the role and how he is coming to the Sportsground to 'sharpen the tools and put more tools in the toolbox for the players'.

The Connacht senior squad returned to training on Monday as pre-season for the upcoming 2017/18 campaign began, with the countdown now on to the province's pre-season matches against Wasps and Bristol next month.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced that Johnny O'Connor will return to the Sportsground as the province's senior strength & conditioning coach.

In preparation for the upcoming 2017/18 season, Connacht have confirmed their pre-season schedule of matches. English clubs Wasps and Bristol will provide quality opposition in the lead up to the new campaign.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that Joe Gorham is the province's new Domestic Rugby Manager. He will head up the area of Club & Community for the westerners.

"They have loads of threats all over the park" - Ireland second row Quinn Roux on the Japanese team ahead of the first Test in Shizuoka on Saturday (kick-off 2pm local time/6am Irish time).

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of prop Peter McCabe for the 2017/18 season.

Kieran Keane's first season in charge of Connacht will see the province play Brive, Worcester Warriors and Oyonnax in Pool 5 of the European Challenge Cup.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the appointment of David Howarth as Head of Athletic Performance at the province.

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced the signing of young scrum half James Mitchell on a two-year deal.

Connacht and the IRFU have announced that Academy players Conor McKeon, Cormac Brennan and Pat O'Toole have all been rewarded with Connacht senior contracts for next season.

Connacht's bid to set up a home Champions Cup play-off final next week fell short as Northampton Saints won a cagey battle 21-15 at Franklin's Gardens.

Home advantage in a Champions Cup play-off final is the carrot dangling in front of Connacht as they look to recapture their best form in Saturday's eagerly-awaited showdown with Northampton Saints at Franklin's Gardens.

Conor Murray gave the Lions a fitness boost with a second half appearance in Munster's thunderous 50-14 GUINNESS PRO12 win over Connacht at Thomond Park.

Munster could top the GUINNESS PRO12 table with a win on 'Super Saturday' as they entertain last year's champions Connacht, who are gearing up for the upcoming Champions Cup qualification play-offs.