Connacht 'facing financial shortfall'

Pro12 outfit Connacht are facing financial worries that could affect the development of the team as they look to compete with Europe's rugby powers, according to reports.

The Irish Independent claims that province has a deficit of €900,000 (£742,000), a shortfall that could affect the side's recruitment plans for next season.

The Galway-based squad were able to beat French giants Toulouse in this season's competition, but have generally struggled to compete with the clout of the other Irish provinces – Munster, Leinster and Ulster – all of whom have previously won the continent's leading club competition.

Connacht's Heineken Cup campaign ended with a thumping defeat at free-spending Saracens on Saturday.