We start today’s Media Watch with a piece of potential news on the transfer market, with Connacht apparently in a battle to keep hold of star scrum-half Kieran Marmion.

One aspect that could well work in the province’s favour is their excellent start to the ²⁰¹⁹⁄₂₀ Guinness PRO14 season, with that dramatic victory overToyota Cheetahs on Saturday sending them top of Conference B.

Saracens are reportedly interested in Marmion, with Connacht head coach Andy Friend discussing how much he wants thescrum-half to stay at the Sportsground.

Sticking with Irish scrum-halves, andJohann van Graan has been very impressed withCraig Casey’s start to life atMunster.

He told the Limerick Leader all about theyoung man’s bright future.

Across Ireland toLeinster and a fitness battle for bothSean Cronin andFergus McFadden, who are reportedly struggling to be in shape for the first European weekend in a fortnight.

Cronin featured in the World Cup before going down with a neck injury, while McFadden injured his elbow during arecent training session.

The province kick off their campaign against Benetton midway through next month.
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It’s fair to say that given how Warren Gatland’s Wales side have performed in reaching the semi-finals in Japan, the squad is going to return to the Guinness PRO14 with enhanced reputation, and confidence.

Two of those returning toCardiff Blues will be Rugby World Cup top scorerJosh Adams (six), and scrum-halfTomos Williams, who has played so well he may nudge ahead ofGareth Davies internationally in 2020.

With South Africa pipping Wales 19-16 on Saturday, Williams and Adams have spoken about their intentions to give Gatland agood send off on Friday.

Not seen enough of Edinburgh’s resounding victory over Scarlets on Saturday night?Scrummagazine.com has some of the best shots, while centre Matt Scott has been discussing thatdangerous backline.