Connacht gave their bid to finish in the top half of the GUINNESS PRO12 a big lift with a bonus point win over Benetton Treviso this evening.

Connacht's battle to finish in the top half of the GUINNESS PRO12 continues on Sunday evening, as they look to win for the first time in three outings at the Sportsground.

Connacht head coach Pat Lam has made two personnel changes to the team that will host Benetton Treviso at the Sportsground on Sunday (kick-off 5.15pm).

Connacht Rugby have announced that CEO of Mountaineering Ireland, Karl Boyle, has been appointed to the role of Head of Operations with the province.

Ahead of Connacht's GUINNESS PRO12 round 12 date with Benetton Treviso at the Sportsground on Sunday, the province's medical team have provided the following update.

Connacht ended the latest round of GUINNESS PRO12 action in sixth place, digging deep in the end to see off the 14-man Newport Gwent Dragons in wet and muddy conditions at Rodney Parade.

A repeat of last year's 24-8 win at Rodney Parade would be just the ticket for Connacht as they make the return trip, hoping to beat the Dragons and maintain their presence in the top half of the GUINNESS PRO12.

Head coach Pat Lam has made three personnel changes to his Connacht side that will face the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday (kick-off 4pm).

Connacht Rugby's longest serving player Michael Swift has announced that he will retire from the game at the end of the current season.

The Ireland players and coaches were given a great welcome at the Sportsground on Wednesday morning, as upwards of 3,500 supporters turned out for the open training session. Check out our photo galleries from the day.

Frank Murphy, who played over 100 times for Connacht, has been promoted to the IRFU National Panel of Referees after progressing quickly through the Inter Provincial Appointments System (IPAS).

Following a disappointing result away to the Scarlets last weekend, the Connacht squad are determined to get back to winning ways against the Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade on Sunday (kick-off 4pm).

Niyi Adeolokun's first GUINNESS PRO12 try was scant consolation for a Connacht side who were well beaten by the dominant Scarlets in Llanelli this afternoon.

Connacht are aiming for their first ever PRO12 season's double over the Scarlets when they resume their league campaign on Sunday. However, history is against the westerners as they have not won away in Llanelli since October 2004.

Head coach Pat Lam has named his Connacht team to face the Scarlets in Llanelli on Sunday at the early kick-off time of 12.45pm.

After a two-week break from games, the Connacht squad are looking forward to their trip to Wales to play the Scarlets on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 12.45pm).

Connacht Rugby and Ulster Rugby have reached an agreement that will see openside flanker Willie Faloon leave the Sportsground in the summer and return to Ulster for the 2015/16 season.

Half-backs Jack Carty, John Cooney and Caolin Blade have become the latest players to sign new contract extensions with Connacht Rugby and the IRFU.

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).