SAMOA open their northern hemisphere tour in Galway this evening when they take on a young Connacht side at the Sportsground (7.05pm).

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has named his side to play Samoa at the Sportsground in Galway on Tuesday night (kick off 7.05pm).

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has made two changes to the side to play Benetton Treviso in the Magner’s League this Saturday evening at Stadio di Monigo.

LEINSTER skipper Leo Cullen makes his first start of the season in tonight’s Magners League clash with Connacht but he will be taking orders from Jamie Heaslip for at least another week.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has named a 26-man squad ahead of his side’s clash with Ulster at the Sportsgrounds on Saturday night (KO 7.30pm).

Connacht coach Eric Elwood is anticipating a “big physical battle” when high-flying Ulster visit the Sportsground this Saturday.

Andrew Browne returns to the Connacht squad for Friday night's Magners League clash with Glasgow in Firhill (KO 8.05PM).

AFTER an opening day success at home, Connacht’s away form now gets its first test under Eric Elwood’s stewardship when they face the Scarlets at Parc Y Scarlets today (3pm).

Mike McComish comes in for the injured Ezra Taylor at number eight for Connacht away to The Scarlets in the Magner’s League at Parc y Scarlets tomorrow afternoon (3pm).

CONNACHT head coach Eric Elwood is expecting the Scarlets to be smarting tomorrow after an opening-day Magners League loss against Benetton Treviso last weekend.

JOE SCHMIDT believes his Leinster side were outfought by a hungrier Glasgow outfit in his first competitive game.

ERIC ELWOOD had every reason to be “chuffed” about his side’s unexpected demolition of the Dragons on opening day.

Connacht 40 Newport Gwent Dragons 17

Scrum-half Frank Murphy will lead Connacht in the absence of regular leader John Muldoon for tomorrow's Magners League clash with the Newport Gwent Dragons in Galway.

Ireland internationals Sean Cronin and Gavin Duffy have been included in the Connacht 26-man squad ahead of their first Magners League clash of the new season against the Newport Gwent Dragons this Saturday in the Sportsground, Galway.

Ireland internationals Sean Cronin and Gavin Duffy have been included in Connacht's 26-man squad ahead of their first Magners League clash of the season against the Newport Gwent Dragons this Saturday in the Sportsground, Galway.

Connacht 5 Saracens 22, the Sportsground

Coach Eric Elwood has given Frank Murphy the captaincy for the side to play Saracens in a pre-season friendly this Saturday at the Sportsground, Galway.

Connacht 7 Harlequins 40

Johnny O'Connor will lead Connacht out against Harlequins in their first pre-season match on Friday at the Sportsground in Galway.

THE SENSE of expectation and confidence in the Connacht camp was palpable last night as coach Eric Elwood and his new backroom team were unveiled at a press conference at the Galway Sportsground.

CONNACHT look set to complete their biggest coup of the season by signing Queensland Reds back-row player Ezra Taylor.