Connacht claim season-ending win over Zebre

Connacht concluded an underwhelming United Rugby Championship campaign with a 22-12 victory over Zebre in Parma.

Captain Cian Prendergast and wing Shayne Bolton claimed first-half tries to put the Irish province on course for a first win in six URC games.

Zebre flanker Bautista Stavile crossed and fly-half Giovanni Montemauri added the extras to leave the Italian hosts 12-7 down at the break.

Back-rower Shamus Hurley-Langton went over with an hour played to stretch Connacht’s lead, with JJ Hanrahan adding the second of his successful conversions.

A score from Zebre full-back Jacopo Trulla and a yellow card for Connacht’s replacement scrum-half Matthew Devine set up a tense finale.

Fly-half Hanrahan slotted a late penalty to help the visitors over the line and claim a 13th-placed finish.