Rugby Union: Big plus for Brad

CONNACHT'S cause has attracted support from all quarters over the past few years, but on Friday they had a new following - the entire Australian national squad!

The Aussies were at Connacht's base in Montpellier preparing for their international with France in Marseilles, but quickly threw their lot behind Michael Bradley's men.

A few of the Connacht squad, including skipper Andrew Farley and former Australian sevens captain Paul Warwick, grew up with a lot of the Wallabies, while Connacht physio Gavin Malouf spent the past 10 years with the ACT Brumbies.

Connacht full-back and six-times Irish international Matt Mostyn is also Australian born, while some of the Connacht squad have played underage for Ireland against a few of the current Wallabies.

Bradley, whose side beat Montpellier 19-16 in the European Challenge Cup, said: "It was unusual to be down in the south of France with our own band of diehard supporters.

"And what's more, it was one of the world's top international teams cheering us on."

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