It is something which the province's Commercial Manager Fiona Keys sees as a way of encouraging local business to attend Connacht home games and become part of the matchday experience.

"Tom Hogan Motors have always been a huge supporter of rugby in Connacht and it's great to have them on board to kick off our sponsorship of the match ball," she said.

"Going forward we've put a package together for local business should they want to come on board on that basis, which includes six enclosed stand tickets as well as photos with a Connacht player, a match ball presentation and it's also an opportunity to generate some publicity for the company."

Next season's sponsorship of the match ball is yet to get under way but there are still two matches available before the end of the season, with Connacht's final two matches of the season being played at home.

Connacht welcome the Cardiff Blues to the Sportsground on May 2 and the Ospreys on May 9, both of which will be vital in determining Connacht's participation in the Heineken Cup next year.

For more information on the Connacht match ball sponsorship, please contact Fiona Keys on tel: 091 561568 or email: fiona@cbirfu.com.