Argentinian’s transformation of Aussie scrum means Welsh pack must up game, says Baldwin...

It was such an uplifting, outlandish tale, one which saw a figure who had once been derided and abused become nothing less than an instant national treasure, that Stephen Donald was told by his one of his teammates after they’d won the World Cup: “Beaver, mate, there’s gotta be a film in your story.”

Former New Zealand rugby union international Mils Muliaina will go on trial next year over allegations he sexually assaulted a woman.

A Pro 12 title and a top six qualification are on the line in today’s meeting of Ulster and Connacht in the Galway Sportsground (2.40pm).

Mils Muliaina said he had "no idea" he was about to be arrested after his match on Friday.

Connacht rugby player Mils Muliaina has been bailed after being arrested over an alleged sexual assault.

Connacht rugby has confirmed that one of its players was arrested over an alleged sexual assault in Wales.

With Leinster the sole province flying the Irish flag in this weekend’s Champions Cup quarter-finals, it’s natural the thoughts of supporters of other teams are already turning to next season.

A first home semi-final is the prize for Connacht if they overcome this evening’s Challenge Cup quarter-final opponents Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Connacht’s biggest signing Mils Muliaina is leaving the province at the end of the season to take up a new contract in Italy.

Guinness PRO12

THE DONAL LENIHAN INTERVIEW

All Black legend Mils Muliaina has not ruled out staying at the Sportsground beyond this season.

European Challenge Cup Pool 2

Connacht head coach Pat Lam has signed a new three-year deal ahead of the province’s final chance to bag a Challenge Cup quarter-final.

It has been announced that Connacht head coach Pat Lam has signed a three-year extension to his contract to keep him as the main man at the Galway Sportsground.

European Challenge Cup Pool 2

Connacht welcome Edinburgh to the Sportsground on Friday night and head coach Pat Lam has made just one change from the side that beat Munster on New Year’s Day.

Nothing ever comes easy for Connacht. Their constant battle for recognition and the right to sit as an equal partner with the other three provinces in the eyes of the IRFU has raged for over a century.

Stunned Munster supporters watching their side forfeit a 13 point lead and eventually lose 24-16 to the hosts departed the Galway Sportsground on Thursday night wondering how Connacht were able to draft in such influential players as All Black legend Mils Muliaina and another Kiwi, Bundee Aki, while their own side have to settle for virtual unknowns from the Southern Hemisphere.

Connacht coach Pat Lam has laid it on the line for the 8,000 people expected through the turnstiles for this evening’s interprovincial derby, calling on the home support to serve as the team’s 16th man to overpower Munster.

Guinness Pro12

Pro12 title holders Leinster have made seven changes to their starting line-up as they aim to begin the traditional Christmas interprovincial period with victory over Connacht at the RDS tonight.

Isaac Boss and Mils Muliaina go back a long way, 15 years at the very least, so there are few men better qualified than the Leinster scrum-half to judge just what the All Black legend brings to his new home in Connacht.

I’m not sure how long it’s been since Munster sat on top of the Pro 12, but there must be a feeling of quiet satisfaction within the squad as they head back into European action, writes Donal Lenihan.

Connacht took the spoils in a bruising Guinness PRO12 mid-table tussle at the Sportsground, as they defeated the Scarlets for the first time since September 2011.

Ireland internationals Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah You have returned to the Connacht squad for match day squad for the PRO12 Round 9 clash with Scarlets tomorrow night (kick off 7:30pm).

Mazda Ireland, official car partner to Connacht Rugby has launched its official ‘Mazda Rugby Roadshow’.

GUINNESS PRO12:

Connacht 43 Zebre 3

Mils Muliaina, who has 100 New Zealand caps, will make his Connacht debut in the Showgrounds tomorrow night, in the province’s PRO12 clash with Zebre.

Connacht coach Pat Lam is set to unleash the first of his three New Zealand signings tomorrow night in Swansea as they bid to win at the Liberty Stadium for the first time.

What are you currently driving?

With five Heineken Cup successes over a magical seven-year period between 2006 and 2012, European rugby had become a happy hunting ground for the Irish, writes Donal Lenihan.

The jet lag was still lingering after his long flight from New Zealand but the Connacht team bonding session that greeted Mils Muliaina on his arrival in Galway was all the kick start he needed to tell him he had landed in a good spot.

GUINNESS PRO12:

Connacht’s star signing Mils Muliaina has heaped praise on Robbie Henshaw and the rest of the province’s exciting young back line, admitting he can’t wait to play alongside them.

They have finally been given the tools, now it is up to Connacht to deliver the goods and thereby ensure young stars such as Robbie Henshaw stay on board.

Connacht chief executive Willie Ruane believes the arrival of All Black centurion Mils Muliaina to the province later this month will take the game in the west of Ireland to the next level.

Ospreys 45 Connacht 20

Connacht’s search for a new CEO is complete, former player and Mayo native Willie Ruane appointed eight months after the departure of Tom Sears.

Imports like Mils Muliaina and Bundee Aki can leave a lasting legacy at a club. It’s not just what you learn on the Saturday, it’s as much about what you’re picking up from Monday to Friday.

Connacht coach Pat Lam has refused to get involved in a war of words with Rob Penney after the Munster boss claimed that the signing this week of Mils Muliaina illustrated that the westerners have an unfair advantage in the transfer market.

Gordon D’Arcy has hailed Connacht’s capture of 33-year-old All Black legend Mils Muliaina.