THIS time last year Shaun Payne was a key member of the Munster team battling through the qualifying rounds of the Heineken Cup.

Connacht open their Parker Pen European Challenge Cup campaign this weekend in the south of France when they take on Beziers in the first leg of the tie at Stade de la Mediterranee on Sunday (kick-off 2pm Irish time).

Connacht fulfilled expectations of advancing to the next round of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup when finishing ahead of Mont de Marsan by an aggregate 32 points at Crowley Park.

Connacht have received a major boost with the announcement that coach Steph Nel has signed a new three year contract.