GLOUCESTER will play Connacht in the quarter-final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup in early April after the Irish side's 30-20 win in La Rochelle on Saturday evening.

Two late tries saw Connacht secure a bonus point win in France which earned them a date at Kingsholm as runners-up in their pool.

Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys knows Connacht very well from his time at Ulster and admitted that they will provide a stern test of his team's credentials.

"It's obviously good to know who will be facing in the quarter-finals," said Humphreys.

"We knew that we'd be facing tough opposition and Connacht will certainly provide that, having come through a very strong pool.

"I've faced Connacht many times during the course of my career, both as a player and as director of rugby, and I know that there is never an easy fixture against them.

"Under Pat Lam, Connacht have developed hugely over the past couple of seasons and we will need to be at our very best in order to progress to the semi finals.

"While there are a number of important Aviva Premiership games to be played over the next few weeks, I'm already very much looking forward to it. We've had some superb occasions here at Kingsholm so far this season and a European quarter-final against Connacht will be yet another one.”