Connacht Rugby have stated their intent to leave their mark on this year's Heineken Cup before their journey comes to an end against Harlequins this Friday in Round 6 of the tournaments pool stages.

With Connacht's own fate in the tournament already sealed, there is still an opportunity to make a lasting impression in the tournament by determining the qualifiers from Pool 6 and further influencing the make-up of the final eight.

Despite five straight losses in the tournament all is not folorn, one should only cast their memories back to fellow Irish Provinces first few years in the tournament to evaluate fairly Connacht's contribution in their debut season. In fact both Munster and Leinster experienced wide margin defeats to French opposition in their first few forays into European territory. Added to that, Ulster failed to secure a win in their first season. And with some single score defeats in December and a strong showing in Toulouse, Gavin Duffy, Connacht Captain, says that appetite for that first win is through the roof

"Everyone in the squad is looking forward to the match this Friday. We know the result didn't go our way last weekend even though our performance was much improved on the week before and after 2 weeks on the road everyone is itching to get back out in front of our home support and show we're in this competition for a reason."

Eric Elwood added "As Munster and Leinster fans have reminded us throughout the course of this journey, the Heineken Cup is a not a forgiving environment and both teams experienced rough rides in their early years in the tournament. Aside from the first 40 mins against Toulouse at home, every team we?ve played has known they?ve been in a battle with us and the margins have been tight"

Connacht Management, Players and staff are further calling on the fantastic support throughout the province and country to come out and support the team in the Sportground on Friday night.

Eric Elwood added "Connacht fans have gained the respect of our European counterparts and Friday represents a final opportunity to show all of Europe, the passion and rugby knowledge that exists across the province"

That call is being made to the whole of Ireland to get behind Eric and the boys on Friday, where a win for Connacht will guarantee a third quarter final slot for Ulster ahead of their journey to the formidable ASM Clermont Auvergne.

"We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support from across the country over the last few months and we're asking everyone to come down to the Sportsground on Friday night and create that special atmosphere that is ever present at rugby venues across Ireland"

Eric Elwood added "At this stage of the season, we are not afraid to admit that we are up against it in terms of qualification for next seasons Heineken Cup. That doesn?t mean we'll stop trying and our supporters are assured we'll fight to the very end of the Rabodirect Pro12 but as of now this could be our last Heineken Cup match for a while and that gives us huge motivation to go out and get that performance and result. We are determined to set the tone on Friday evening with a win and that all four provinces make this amemorable weekend for Irish rugby."

Tickets available on www.Ticketmaster.ie and also at the Branch offices on College Road. Tickets start from ?30.