Connacht Rugby back-row forward Paul Boyle is anticipating that Newcastle Falcons will provide the Irish province with “a different challenge” in the EPCR Challenge Cup at The Sportsground on Saturday to what they are used to in the United Rugby Championship.

Fresh from a home 38-19 bonus-point win over Benetton Rugby last weekend, in which Boyle was one of Connacht’s five try-scorers, the 25-year-old revealed that the Irish side are looking forward to taking on the Gallagher Premiership team.

“Yeah, it’s a big one next weekend, which we’ll be looking to win – as we do every game,” he said. “But our prep will be the same for that just like last week. Newcastle will provide a different challenge, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.

“I think we have been improving every game. We are happy with how we’re playing, but we are all striving to get better. We need to get better, as this is only the halfway point.”