EPCR Challenge Cup hopefuls Connacht Rugby recorded the first win of their United Rugby Championship campaign with a 20-11 triumph over Munster Rugby at The Sportsground on Friday.

Tries from Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham and Paul Boyle secured victory for the hosts against Heineken Champions Cup opposition, and augurs well for their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign, which begins with a home game against Newcastle Falcons in Pool A on December 10.

Meanwhile, Emirates Lions continued their good start to the URC season with a 22-19 triumph at Edinburgh Rugby, a 78th-minute penalty from Gianni Lombard sealing their third win in a row.

The South African side, who make their EPCR competition debut this season in Pool B, notched a trio of tries through Andries Coetzee, Henco van Wyk and Francke Horn, two of which were improved by Lombard.

In the Gallagher Premiership, Bristol Bears crashed 14-50 at home to Heineken Champions Cup side Exeter Chiefs.

Bristol, who travel to USAP in the opening round of EPCR Challenge Cup action on December 9 in Pool A, saw Toby Fricker and Will Capon cross the whitewash, but a scintillating five-try, second-half display from the Chiefs condemned the hosts to defeat.