Shane Horgan hails Connacht Pro12 effect and lays down challenge to Munster and Leinster

Shane Horgan has challenged both Munster and Leinster to follow the example of Guinness Pro12 champions Connacht and attack the new season with a more exciting brand of ball-in-hand rugby.

The new campaign kicks off tonight with last season’s beaten finalists Leinster hosting a revamped Treviso at the RDS while new-look Ulster face Newport Gwent Dragons in Belfast.

Munster, under new management with Rassie Erasmus their first director of rugby, kick off their league programme at Scarlets tomorrow and former Ireland wing Horgan believes both former European champions need to play catch-up with Pat Lam’s Connacht.