Connacht

The latest whisperings, murmurs and rumours from the world of rugby union, picking up bits and bobs from the written press, online and social media.

It’s been a grim couple of months for Irish rugby.

European Rugby Challenge Cup champions Gloucester began their defence with a 23-10 win over Zebre while elsewhere London Irish beat Agen, Cardiff Blues thrashed Calvisano, Worcester beat La Rochelle and Connacht beat Enisei-STM.

Two tries from Darren Dawidiuk and Jonny May in the last five minutes of extra time gave Gloucester a 40-32 win over Connacht and a place in next week's Champions Cup play-off final.

Gloucester became the first side through to the European Challenge Cup semi-finals after a 14-7 win over Connacht in a dour game at Kingsholm.

Connacht overturned a 13-point deficit to claim a rare victory over Munster, running out 24-16 victors in a gusty Guinness Pro12 clash in Galway.

There were wins for Cardiff Blues, Exeter Chiefs, Gloucester and Stade Francais as the second round of European Rugby Challenge Cup fixtures drew to a close today.

Scotland fly-half Dan parks leads a cast-list of eight Connacht players leaving the Irish province at the end of the season.

Ulster thrashed Connacht 58-12 to claim a bonus point win that puts them right back in the hunt for a RaboDirect Pro12 play-off place.

Leinster's greater strength in depth helped them complete a festive derby double at the Sportsground as they got the better of a youthful Connacht side with a 16-8 triumph.

John Muldoon has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at Connacht until 2016.

Connacht Rugby are pleased to announce the signing of Kyle Tonetti from Aviva Premiership club Sale Sharks.

After this weekend there is a strong 14 points that separates Leinster at the top of the leader board from Welsh side Ospreys who narrowly beat Edinburgh this weekend.

During a busy Six Nations, the Celtic and Italian sides are in action this weekend, with squads being stretched due to the unavailablity of international stars.

Competitive sport is often an emotional roller coaster. It's a highly evocative experience that frequently pulls all sorts of emotions from deep within us.

Newly Capped Ireland & Connacht Backrower Mike McCarthy caught up with Talking Rugby Union to answer a few questions, a very nice guy!

The 2010/2011 season Connacht's team me with a strong front row and great backs, this team could give teams trouble in at the Magners League

The game started off with a strong start from Ulster with Adam D'Arcy making a run then the ball being spread to the left