After releasing details of the Leinster Academy panel for 2015/16, Academy manager and former Ireland international Girvan Dempsey spoke of his excitement about the new emerging talent and the players who are graduating to the professional ranks.

Speaking to Rob Murphy after Connacht's PRO12 victory over the Dragons, head coach Pat Lam said: "There are some things to learn from, but we're pleased to start with a win. When you consider nine in that starting group are under 23, it's good to see some of those talented guys get a chance - particularly the new ones."

Prop Denis Buckley turned in a man-of-the-match performance as Connacht overcame the Dragons 16-11 in their opening GUINNESS PRO12 game. He gave his reaction to Rob Murphy afterwards.

Speaking during Connacht's training trip to Ballinrobe RFC, captain John Muldoon said: "It's great to see the jerseys and the people coming out to support us today. Long may it continue because we're not a Galway team, we're a Connacht team and that's what we want to push and that's why we come out on these days out."

Young hooker David Heffernan, who extended his current deal with Connacht in April, enjoyed a trip back to his native Mayo as Pat Lam's men held an open training session at Ballinrobe RFC earlier this week.

Connacht head coach Pat Lam chatted to Rob Murphy about his squad's open training session at Ballinrobe RFC as they continue to build towards the start of the new season.