The Connacht squad are back in action this week when they travel to Ravenhill in Belfast on Friday night to face third-placed Ulster in a much-anticipated RaboDirect PRO12 derby.
There were a number of senior players involved in the Connacht Eagles’ 54-21 win over Enisei STM last Saturday.
The province’s coaches, team-mates and fans were delighted to welcome back flanker Willie Faloon who played 50 minutes for the Eagles side.
The 27-year-old was sidelined for over six months with a foot injury sustained in PRO12 round 3 game against Ulster.
Through hard work and the help of the medical and strength & conditioning staff, the Armagh man is back fit ahead of schedule and is available for selection this week.
Also making a return from injury last weekend was versatile forward George Naoupu. A regular in the number 8 position, Naoupu started in the second row for the Eagles against their Russian opponents.
Meanwhile, the availability of back rower Mata Fifita is in doubt following a shoulder injury picked up in training on Monday. Backs Matt Healy (hamstring) and Craig Ronaldson (groin) remain unavailable.
Ulster’s six-match winning run in the PRO12 ended when they were defeated 28-23 in Cardiff in round 18.
The Ulstermen have lost just once at Ravenhill in their last 14 league matches: 13-12 to Glasgow Warriors on September 13. Ulster have won their last four home games against fellow Irish provinces.
Connacht’s four-match winning run in the PRO12 ended in Llanelli on March 30. The westerners have lost their last nine contests with fellow Irish provinces, and have not beaten a province on their own soil since a trip to Donnybrook in September 2002.
Connacht’s only victory over Ulster in their last 15 fixtures was 26-21 in Galway in April 2012, while they have not won at Ravenhill since November 1960.
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