Bradley back in the West to clash with his old friend Elwood

AFTER their last-gasp home draw with Glasgow Warriors last Saturday evening, 13-13 thanks to out-half Niall O'Connor's brilliant levelling penalty kick, Connacht welcome back their former head coach Michael Bradley for the first time since he took over Edinburgh at the start of the season. And Connacht supporters are reminded that since the game this Friday evening (7.30) is not on tv, they'll have to get to the Sportsground to see Eric Elwood's spirited team on the Scottish visitors. This week, Connacht signed Leinster tighthead prop Nathan White. The 6ft 2ins (188cm), 18.5 stone (118kg) prop will join Connacht from Leinster at the end of this season on a three-year contract. The former Waikato captain played 77 times for the 2011 ITM Cup finalists before moving to Leinster on a one-year deal last season. White has 14 caps for Leinster including five in the Heineken Cup. [private] 'Nathan is an exceptional scrummager and to have a player with his explosive power around the pitch opens up a huge number of opportunities for us,' says assistant coach Dan McFarland. 'Nathan's a proven leader on and off the pitch and I am looking forward to working with him here at Connacht.' Connacht team manager and fellow Kiwi Tim Allnutt says: 'To have someone of Nathan's calibre and work ethic joining the squad is a huge boost to the club. Ronan Loughney has been doing a superb job at tight-head this season and Nathan's signature will add an extra layer of depth to this vital position. With a 3-year deal, Nathan has shown he believes in what we are doing here and we will use his knowledge and experience to help bring the next crop of props through our academy structures.'   BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT for Monivea, losing the All-Ireland Junior Cup final for the second successive year, writes Jim Carney. A 9-3 win for Tullamore at Dubarry Park, Athlone last Saturday afternoon flattered the once-mighty Monivea club, for they were outplayed nearly all the way and it was impossible to see how Tullamore couldn't get over the Monivea line when camped on it or near it for a long stretch in the first half. As events unfolded, victory was secured in an amazing way â€â€ three drop goals by three Tullamore men, a wing, out-half and a centre. From leading 3-0 early in the second half, the Offaly men added two drop goals to the scoreboard and Monivea had only the consolation of a penalty by their out-half Ger O'Connor. Dubarry Park looked great and there was a super atmosphere, with both clubs well supported, but while Monivea were brave, committed up front and battling to stay in contention all the way to the final whistle, their rugby was poor, possibly their weakest ever display on a big stage. Which was a great pity as these are the days that are remembered â€â€ in this case for all the wrong reasons. Tullamore were particularly well served by their full-back and out-half, very good players in key positions. There was almost no individual sparkle from the opposition and, in general, with no try scored by either side and much of the play almost unbelievably slow and dull it wasn't a good advertisement for Junior Rugby. Sadly, while Monivea go into the record books as the first club to lose two All-Ireland Junior Cup finals, Tullamore are first to win two finals, having defeated Navan in the 2009 decider. Half-time: 0-0. 41 mins Draper drop goal for Tullamore, 3-0; 47 mins A Deverell drop goal, 6-0; 51 mins Clavin drop goal, 9-0. 74 mins: O'Connor penalty for Monivea, 9-3.   Tullamore: B. Geraghty; R. Deverell, D. Clavin, T. Gilligan, C. Draper; A. Deverell (captain), R. Hughes; T. Bennett, C. Glennon, E. Brady; D. Hanlon, I. Deverell; J. Clancy, D. Milne, A. Hanley. Replacements used: K. Browne, P. McNiff, G. Molloy, C. Hughes, I. Scully. Monivea: S. Fahy; C. Maher, C. Neary, K. Higgins, G. Divilly; G. O'Connor, D. Blade (captain); G. Fitzmaurice, B. Ryan, R. Coughlan; W. Parker, P. Fitzmaurice; M. King, K. Concarr, E. Rooney. Replacements used: J Culkin, B. Murphy, D McNeillis, C. Divilly, J. Connolly, E. Blade. Referee: Stuart Gaffikin (Ulster). [/private]