The Guinness PRO14 returns with a vengeance this weekend for seven blockbuster fixtures sandwiched in between the opening rounds of the European competitions.

Thanks to a brief hiatus from Champions Cup and Challenge Cup action, all eyes will once again return to the ongoing battles that are heating up nicely in the conferences.

And with so many intriguing plotlines gradually unfolding, here’s a look at some of the key protagonists who could be makes the headlines for their team this weekend.

Friday

Munster v Edinburgh Rugby

Two teams who have both enjoyed strong starts to the season and are coming off the back of hard-fought draws in their last outings in Europe meet in Cork on Friday night.

For Munster, Andrew Conway has been the man of the moment over the last couple of weekends, scoring in the win over Ospreys and the draw with Racing 92 in the Champions Cup.

The hosts will need to be wary of Jaco van der Walt, however, who almost single-handedly secured victory for Edinburgh at the weekend in the Challenge Cup before Bordeaux-Bègles snatched a draw.

Ulster Rugby v Scarlets

Another two of the in-form teams in the Guinness PRO14 will also go head to head at Kingspan as Ulster welcome Scarlets to Belfast with near identical records after six rounds.

Few players have been more central to Ulster’s campaign so far than the ever-reliable John Cooney – a point hammered home emphatically by his stunning individual score in the win over Clermont.

But Scarlets have lost just once in the Championship this season and with Uzair Cassiem in rampaging form, the visitors will need to be at their best to come away with the points.

Saturday

Benetton Rugby v Cardiff Blues

This campaign has been tough going for both Benetton and Cardiff Blues but the Italians have gradually started to rediscover the form that saw them reach the Final Series last season.

One of the men who have been integral to that turnaround has been Hame Faiva, with the hooker scoring twice for Kieran Crowley’s men against Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup.

Meanwhile, Aled Summerhill is always worth watching for the Blues and having added to his try haul against Leicester Tigers last time out, Benetton know they will need to tame the electric winger.

Connacht Rugby v Isuzu Southern Kings

Caolin Blade has hardly put a foot wrong since the ²⁰¹⁹⁄₂₀ campaign kicked off and was among Connacht’s best performers during their opening two games in the Champions Cup.

He was pivotal to their dismantling of Montpellier, in which he was awarded man of the match, while he also scored in the defeat against Toulouse as he continued to pull the strings.

The Irish province will face a stern test against Southern Kings, though, especially after they picked up their first Guinness PRO14 away win in Round 6 thanks to the nerveless Scott van Breda.

Van Breda was back with the Worcester Warriors this week but has linked back up with the Kings on a loan deal for the encounter in Galway.

Dragons v Zebre

European rugby could not have come at a better time for Dragons, who put their up-and-down start to the Guinness PRO14 behind them with back-to-back wins in the Challenge Cup.

And with Sam Davies called up for Wales, Arwel Robson will once again be the man trusted with steering the ship for Dragons after his 19-point haul in the victory against Enisei-STM.

For Zebre, winger Mattia Bellini has been one of the few saving graces for the Italian outfit, who are currently winless this season, and the 25-year-old will hope to add to his try tally in Wales.

Glasgow Warriors v Leinster

A replay of last season’s Guinness PRO14 final means some mouth-watering rivalries will be reunited when Glasgow Warriors welcome defending champions Leinster to Scotstoun Stadium.

The contest at fly-half will certainly be an area to keep an eye on as Johnny Sexton and Adam Hastings – two players at different stages of their careers – lock horns once again.

Sexton’s experience would appear to give him the edge and he was man of the match in Lyon last weekend, but Hastings is an exciting young talent so expect there to be plenty of fireworks.

Ospreys v Toyota Cheetahs

When it comes to Toyota Cheetahs, it’s never an easy task to pick out just one player. The South African side have had a number of contributors in their many eye-catching performances.

But with seven tries from six rounds, Rhyno Smith remains the first name on everyone’s lips when the Cheetahs are mentioned and he will fancy his chances against Ospreys.

Their depleted hosts are going through a tumultuous period but they will be thankful they have Olly Cracknell in their ranks, with the flanker always a nuisance to opposition.

Cardiff City Stadium will play host to the 2020 Guinness PRO14 Final on June 20 as one of the most exciting days in the club rugby calendar comes to Wales!

General sale tickets are available from http://bit.ly/PRO14Cardiff2020 and prices start at just £13 for concessions and £26 for adults (subject to booking fees), that’s a 15% early bird discount. Family ticket (2 adults / 2 children) prices begin at £64 and fans are encouraged to buy early to get the best value tickets.