European Cup record

Connacht have never reached the knockout stage in their six appearances in the competition. Their maiden appearance in 2011-12 saw them finish bottom of Pool 6 with a solitary victory. They managed three wins in each of the next two seasons, before recording four in the 2016-17 campaign, but ended third in their pool on each occasion. In 2019-20 they won two games but were last in Pool 5.

Last season

A 26-22 defeat at Racing 92 and a 27-18 home loss to Bristol Bears in the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage saw Connacht drop into the Challenge Cup. They visited Leicester Tigers in the Round of 16 and scored four tries against the eventual finalists, but ultimately went down 48-32.

Head coach

Australian Andy Friend has led Connacht since 2018, joining after a two-year spell in charge of his nation’s sevens side. His first coaching role came at Harlequins, whom he guided between 2005 and 2008 before stints in Australian and Japanese club rugby.

Key players

The Connacht pack boasts vast experience in hooker Dave Heffernan, prop Finlay Bealham and lock Ultan Dillane. The backs are marshalled by Ireland fly-half Jack Carty and scrum-half Kieran Marmion, with British and Irish Lions centre Bundee Aki and full-back Tiernan O'Halloran also playing key roles. Winger Mack Hansen and Tonga lock Leva Fifita are new additions for this season.

Pool fixtures

Connacht kick off their Pool B campaign at home to Stade Français Paris on December 12 before travelling to Leicester Tigers in Round 2 a week later. They then host the Gallagher Premiership side on January 15 before rounding off their pool stage with a trip to Stade Français on January 23.

We take a look at Connacht Rugby as we continue our analysis of this season’s Heineken Champions Cup teams.