Bradley buoyant ahead of crucial Bourgoin battle

MICHAEL BRADLEY’S “strongest” squad in his seven year tenure at Connacht are in confident mood ahead of today’s European quarter-final against French visitors Bourgoin.

Their recent Magners League form against Leinster and Edinburgh, an unbeaten run in the Amlin Challenge Cup qualifiers, the return from injury of several key players and the Sportsground venue ensure Connacht are better placed this season than in their previous six quarter-final encounters in the competition.

“We are going into the match in a positive frame of mind — the strongest we have been in the period I have been here,” says Bradley.