Connacht head to Bayonne for tonight’s return leg (Stade Jean-Dauger, 7.45pm) of the back-to-back Challenge Cup fixtures with a new starting side featuring five debutants.

Head Coach Pat Lam has named his team for the opening round of the Guinness PRO12 against Newport Gwent Dragons at the Sportsground at 5pm tomorrow.

Connacht last night announced they will release eight players from their squad at the end of the season — the biggest shock being the exit of Gavin Duffy.

Roger Wilson will make his return from injury today as Ulster Ravens kick off their British & Irish Cup campaign against Bridgend Ravens in Deramore Park. Wilson will line out in his familiar number 8 position while former Ireland U20 captain Niall Annett starts at hooker.

Malone have taken over from UCD at the top of the Division 1B following their 60-3 demolition of Ulster rivals Ballymena this afternoon.

Ireland Under-20s 18 France Under-20s 7

Ireland U20s were denied a semi-final berth at the IRB Junior World Championship as hosts South Africa scored a bonus-point win over England to top their pool last night.

Ireland Under-20s 41 Italy Under-20s 12

Ireland U20s coach Mike Ruddock has rung the changes for his side’s must-win IRB Junior World Championship pool finale against Italy today but a win may not be enough to reach the last four in South Africa.

England Under-20s 20 Ireland Under-20s 9

The Ireland Under-20 team has been named for their final fixture of the Under-20 RBS Six Nations Championship where they take on England in Adams Park on Friday.

Coach Mike Ruddock praised his men for maintaining their composure and seeing off the challenge of a weak Scotland side at Dubarry Park last night to set up a Grand Slam decider away to England next Friday.

Ireland under-20s 26 Scotland under-20s 0

France U-20 12 Ireland U-20 13

A good start against Wales has given Irish coach Mike Ruddock belief in the ability of his U20 team for their meeting with France at Grenoble this afternoon.

Ireland U20 coach Mike Ruddock believes an improvement to the set-piece will be the key to defeating France in Grenoble tomorrow.

The Ireland Under 20 team Coach Mike Ruddock has brought two new faces into the side for their clash against their French counterparts in the RBS 6 Under 20 Nations Championship.

MUNSTER A had to wait until the dying moments to secure a hard-earned victory over a youthful and inexperienced Connacht at Thomond Park yesterday.

COACHED by former Ireland star Eric Miller, St Gerard’s exacted speedy revenge on Roscrea for their Schools Senior Cup semi-final defeat by winning an absorbing Leinster Senior League final at Donnybrook yesterday.

THIS one-sided Leinster Schools Senior Cup final ended in a victory for tournament favourites Clongowes Wood College, who retained their title with a scintillating display of power and precision at the RDS yesterday.