Connacht Confirm Exeter Date

The fixture will be the first test for Eric Elwood’s Connacht side three weeks before the launch of the newly-sponsored RaboDirect PRO12 competition.

Building on a successful first season in charge, Elwood has brought some exciting new talent to join the experienced players in the Connacht squad and this will be the first chance to see the new-look westerners in action.

The Exeter Chiefs have just finished their first season in the top flight of English rugby and with some impressive performances including wins over London Wasps, Gloucester and Saracens, they finished a credible eighth in the Aviva Premiership.

Under the captaincy of John Hayes’ brother Tom Hayes, Exeter boast an eclectic mix of homegrown English players and international talent that is sure to light up the Sportsground.

Connacht Season Tickets are currently on sale and with the exceptional value ‘early bird’ prices set to cease at the end of this week, supporters are urged to purchase their tickets before Friday to avail of this special offer. Check out www.connachtrugby.ie for further details.

Looking forward to the Exeter game, Elwood said: “We’re very happy to be welcoming the Exeter Chiefs to Galway. The Aviva Premiership is one of the toughest leagues and for Connacht to continue to progress we have to constantly test ourselves against tough opposition.

“Exeter are very similar to ourselves, they’ve just come off the back of a successful season – their first in the Premiership – and just like us they will be hoping to improve on the good work they put in last season.

“This will be a great chance for our supporters to see Connacht’s newest additions in action and for the new players to make their mark and show the coaches what they are capable of.

“It’s also a great opportunity to experience the atmosphere at the Sportsground and to support Connacht Rugby ahead of the new season.”