Search Results for 'James Cannon'

A timely focus shift to the Six Nations, and Connacht's hopes of having some representation on the Ireland team, will give Andy Friend's squad a short window to review, rest and reassess their PRO14 season, and in particular their latest 8-7 defeat to Cardiff.

Connacht coach Andy Friend believes his team have what it takes to make the Champions Cup after watching them destroy a hapless Dragons side on Saturday. James Cannon and Colby Fainga’a scored their first tries for the province in a 33-12 bonus point win that carried them up to fifth in the Pro14 Conference A table. Seven Pro14 teams qualify for the Champions Cup and Friend reckons his squad can kick on and grab one of the spots. They are certainly benefiting from the impact of Australian imports David Horwitz and Fainga’a and optimism currently abounds.

Connacht refocus on their PRO 14 aspirations when the Ospreys visit the Galway Sportgsround tomorrow (7.35pm).

Connacht can expect a real battle of mind and body when they face an improving Worcester in Saturday's Challenge Cup fixture at Sixways (3pm). This is a real opportunity for Connacht to nail down a European home quarter-final. But to do so they must overcome a Worcester side that is enjoying something of a resurgence since the wily Alan Solomons took over the reins recently.

Connacht can expect a real battle of mind and body when they face an improving Worcester in Saturday's Challenge Cup fixture at Sixways (3pm).

'A lot done, more to do' - Connacht, after an opening 10 week series of fixtures, has discovered some late form to move up to fourth in the PRO 14 conference table. But it has been something of a slog for new coach Kieran Keane, who admits this mini break could not have come soon enough.

Connacht, boosted with a try bonus performance last weekend, will be looking to step up another level when they travel to Belfast for this season's first Guinness PRO 14 interprovincial tomorrow evening (7.35pm).

It does not get any easier for Kieran Keane's Connacht as they head to the home of the Guinness PRO 14 champions Scarlets.

The Pat Lam era of success at Connacht Rugby ended at the weekend with a 21-15 defeat to Northampton in the play-off for Champions Cup rugby next season.

European disappointment behind them, Connacht return to Guinness Pro 12 action with a singleminded ambition to win, win, and win, in order to qualify for Champions Cup rugby again next season.