THE SEMI-FINAL WINS for Leinster and Ulster mean Connacht supporters will get to cheer on their team in the Heineken Cup again next season.

With the provinces securing their place in the 19 May final an Irish winner is guaranteed, leaving the door open for Connacht to qualify as the fourth team from Ireland.

Luke Murphy from Connacht says the advent of top flight European rugby in the West of Ireland has seen major changes both within the Sportsground and throughout Galway.

Thousands of supporters flocked to the city to see Connacht take on Harlequins and Gloucester as well as French powerhouses Toulouse this season. He added:

Next season promises to be an equally thrilling journey for Connacht. This comes as a huge boost to the club which finished off their first ever Heineken Cup this year with a memorable victory over Harlequins in the Sportsground.

Player reaction on Twitter

Mike McCarthy gives thanks to his inter-provincial rivals.

The pre-season training has already begun.

* Season tickets are available for purchase online at www.connachtrugby.ie or from the Connacht Rugby ticket office in the Sportsground.

As it happened: Clermont v Leinster, Heineken Cup

As it happened: Ulster v Edinburgh, Heineken Cup