It was an unusual signing and even more strange departure with Pita Ahki making just three starts for Connacht in his only season at the Sportsground. Before he had hardly laced his boots in Galway he was signed by Toulouse.

Connacht coach Kieran Keane says a resurgent Zebre will pose a huge threat in Parma this afternoon as his side aim to bounce back to winning ways before refocusing next week to the European Challenge Cup campaign.