Connacht, boosted by the victory over Glasgow, need to get a result before travelling to Newcastle the following week for another clash with the Falcons.

ON BOARD: Prop Brian McGovern who has been given a full time contract by Connacht.

Friday's game is set to attract a huge crowd to the Sportsground, not least as Newcastle will have their new signing, All-Black prop Carl Hayman, in action along with Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood. But Connacht skipper Andrew Farley laid down a marker this week when he stated that his side would not be fazed by big names in opposing teams.

"We have matured as a team and don't look at any opposition with awe," Farley told a press conference in the Sportsground on Monday.

"We will concentrate on our own task. We have ground to make up having lost away to Brive so these two games with Newcastle will be decisive," added the Ireland A international.

Coach Michael Bradley is likely to name the same fifteen as that which did so well in trying conditions against Glasgow at the weekend.

And his selection process will have further options with new signing Liam Bibo linking up with his new colleagues this week.

The former Australian U-21, who is Irish-qualified as his mother is from Drogheda, can play in a variety of backline positions in addition to being an accomplished.

"He will give us some other options and is a good signing," said Bradley.

Bibo said he was thrilled to join Connacht and looked forward to battling his way into the side. "It's a dream come true to play rugby in the Northern Hemisphere", the 21 year old said. "Connacht made me an offer last season after the U20 World Cup in France and I jumped at the chance. Obviously competition for places within the side will be tough but I'm very much looking forward to the challenge and am delighted to be here."

Connacht have also confirmed that prop Brian McGovern, who impressed in pre-season, has been given a full-time contract.

Off the field, CEO Gerry Kelly told Monday's press conference that work will start after Christmas on two projects at the Sportsground.

A cover is to be built over the terrace on the Branch headquarters side while a new sports hall, incorporating a state-of-the-art gym, will also be built.

The new gym will be ready in time for the pre-season campaign next summer.

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