INJURY-HIT Cardiff still hope to spring a Celtic League surprise on Munster at the Arms Park this evening (5.30).

LEICESTER yesterday appointed Pat Howard as their new backs coach – and the former Wallaby has vowed to help the Tigers reclaim the glory days.

Connacht have made a number of changes for their clash with title-chasing Gwent Dragons at the Sportsground on Saturday (2.30 pm).

Connacht 23 Harlequins 18 (agg: Harlequins 49 Connacht 45)

The Connacht team to play Ulster in the Celtic League on Friday night at Ravenhill (K/O 7.35 pm), in a game which will be televised live by TG4, shows a number of changes from that which started against Harlequins in Sunday¹s Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final.

The Connacht team to play Leinster at the Sportsground on Saturday (2.30pm) shows four changes from that which played The Borders at the weekend.

Connacht will this Friday bid to make it four wins from four visits to Scotland this weekend when they take on The Borders at Netherdale on Friday evening (7.30 pm).

Connacht 28 Glasgow 28

TOP Irish clubs could make a radical challenge to the Irish Rugby Football Union at a meeting in Dublin tomorrow.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley and his assistant John McKee have made eight changes to the side to play Glasgow at the Sportsground on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

Connacht have been forced to make one change for Saturday's Celtic League clash against Celtic Warriors at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.

Connacht have made seven changes to the side which defeated Narbonne in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup quarter-final for Saturday's Celtic League clash with Celtic Warriors at Bridgend.

Connacht have made five changes for Saturday's Parker Pen European Challenge Cup second leg tie away to Pau (kick-off 7pm French time, 6 pm Irish).

Connacht have received a timely boost ahead of Friday night's Celtic League clash with Munster as a number of key players have been passed fit.

CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley has warned his forwards they must win more possession against Beziers at the Galway Sportsgrounds this afternoon (2pm).

Connacht coach Michael Bradley has warned his charges that the job is only half done as they prepare for their second leg Parker Pen European Challenge Cup tie against Beziers at the Sportsground on Saturday.

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 25 Edinburgh 26

ERIC ELWOOD is back to lead the Connacht challenge for a place in the Celtic Cup final at the Sportsground, Galway, tomorrow (2.p.m.), but there is no place for captain Tim Allnutt.

CONNACHT coach Michael Bradley has been forced to name a 25-strong squad for Saturday’s Celtic Cup semi-final against Edinburgh at the Sportsground in Galway (2pm).

Connacht coach Michael Bradley has named a 25-man squad for Saturday¹s Celtic Cup semi-final showdown against Edinburgh at the Sportsground in Galway (kick-off 2pm).

The Connacht team to play Celtic League leaders Ulster at the Sportsground on Saturday (K/O 2.30pm) shows seven changes from that which overcame Neath-Swansea Ospreys at St Helens at the weekend.

Neath-Swansea Ospreys 22 Connacht 33

ULSTER apart, these are vital weeks for the Irish provinces in the Celtic League.

GORDON D’Arcy is back in the Leinster fold after injury to help the former Celtic League champions against the Borders this weekend.

Leinster 21 Connacht 6

A SEASIDE walk on Tuesday ended in disaster for Leinster’s James Norton, when he fell and cracked his hip in Dun Laoire.

The Connacht team to play Leinster in the Celtic League at Donnybrook on Friday night (7.30 pm) shows five changes from that which defeated The Borders at the weekend.

Connacht have made four changes to the side that defeated Llanelli at the weekend for Saturday¹s Celtic League clash against The Borders at the Sportsground (kick-off 2.30 pm).

Eddie O'Sullivan and the other members of the Irish rugby management will be in attendance as Connacht take on London Irish in a pre-season friendly to mark the official opening of the new Connacht Rugby headquarters at the sportsground this Tuesday evening (kick-off 6.30 pm).