Andy Friend and Connacht prioritising URC over Challenge Cup

Andy Friend has made it clear that the focus in his final season at the Sportsground is the URC and finishing high up enough in it to secure Champions Cup rugby next year

CLEAR TARGETS: Connacht director of rugby Andy Friend. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Andy Friend has made it clear that the focus in his final season at the Sportsground is the United Rugby Championship and finishing high up enough in it to secure Champions Cup rugby next year.

He has, as expected, selected an understrength side for their opening game against Newcastle Falcons at the Sportsground on Saturday (5.30pm) and will do the same in Brive next week as their pre-Christmas URC game against Ulster takes precedence.