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Let's hope Connacht will be celebrating on Saturday. Morgan Treacy/INPHO
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You'll be able to watch Connacht's Champions Cup play-off live on TV this weekend

Meanwhile, Connacht have confirmed seven more players who will remain at the Sportsground next season.

CONNACHT’S CHAMPIONS CUP play-off tie with Northampton Saints will be broadcast live on TG4 this Saturday afternoon.

Pat Lam’s side travel to Franklin’s Gardens [KO 4pm] with their hopes of playing in next season’s Champions Cup on the line after an eighth-placed finish in the Guinness Pro12.

Stade Francais’ Challenge Cup victory in Edinburgh last weekend meant the western province were paired with Northampton for the make-or-break clash.

The Champions Cup play-offs provide the last chance of qualification for Europe’s top club rugby competition as four teams enter semi-finals hoping to make themselves the 20th team in next season’s tournament.

Cardiff Blues and Stade Francais meet in the other semi-final on Friday evening, with the final taking place on Friday 26 May.

Along with sustaining their hope of a Champions Cup place, victory for Connacht would also give head coach Pat Lam a final match in the Sportsground before his departure for Bristol, as it has been decided that the winner of Connacht’s semi-final will have home advantage.

TG4′s coverage of Saturday’s game will begin at 3.50pm before they switch over to Thomond Park for the Pro12 semi-final between Munster and Ospreys at 6.15pm.

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The Western province meanwhile, have confirmed seven players staying on for next season – four on new contracts, three with the second year activated on existing deals.

Stacey Ili, Conor Carey and Dominic Robertson-McCoy have had the option of a second year triggered by Connacht.

Out-half Steve Crosbie heads the list of four new contracts alongside JP Cooney, Shane Delahunt and Tom Farrell.

“Recruitment remains ongoing,” says CEO Willie Ruane, “as we look to finalise the makeup of our squad for next season.”

“We’re delighted with the level of retention in the senior ranks. To have continuity up front in the shape of JP and Shane is a great boost and we are excited by what Steve and Tom can add to the squad having only joined us earlier in the year.”

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