Pete Wilkins feeling the heat as Connacht require something extraordinary to rescue season

“We were well beaten and it’s a massive blow to our season,” said Wilkins. “Where we are at is not good enough, it’s very disappointing. But we've dug ourselves out of holes before."

UNDER PRESSURE: Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has acknowledged that their loss to Ulster has huge ramifications for their season as they now face an uphill battle to secure a knockout place in the URC. Picture: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has acknowledged that their 17-7 loss to Ulster has huge ramifications for their season as they now face an uphill battle to secure a knockout place in the URC and a spot in next season’s Champions Cup when they will be unveiling their €40m redevelopment of the Sportsground in Galway.

In the past three seasons the team finishing eighth and making the cut for the knockout stages and qualifying for the Champions Cup has needed 50, 48 and 50 points.