Connacht Switch Pre-Season Game To Dubarry Park
Connacht have moved their pre-season match against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, August 13 to Dubarry Park in Athlone (kick-off 5.30pm).
The improvement works at the Sportsground, which include the covering of the East Terrace and erection of a 300-plus seater, covered stand on the west side, will mean that the Galway venue will not be available for Connacht’s pre-season clash with Exeter Chiefs.
The game on Saturday, August 13 has now been moved to Dubarry Park in Athlone, with a kick-off time of 5.30pm.
The home of Buccaneers RFC, Dubarry Park has been invested in heavily over the last number of years with the installation on TV quality floodlights and upgrading of the main pitch to international standard.
Dubarry Park has been the home ground for the Ireland Under-20 side for a number of years and has hosted a number of high profile matches including recent clashes in the RBS U-20 6 Nations.
Speaking about the switch of venue, Connacht head coach Eric Elwood said: “Our first match this season against the Exeter Chiefs was initially planned to be played in the Sportsground.
“But with the redevelopment work that is going on at the moment, that’s not going to be possible so the game is scheduled for Dubarry Park in Athlone.
“It provides us with a great opportunity to get out and around the province and engage with our supporters.
“The Chiefs are a very similar club to ourselves, last season was their first in the Premiership and like us they will hope to build on the good work they put in last year.
“This will be the first chance supporters will have to see the new squad play together and also the first opportunity for the players to impress the coaches so everyone’s really excited.”
Meanwhile, the newly-formed Connacht Rugby Supporters Club, the Connacht Clan, will be helping with travel arrangements to and from the game and more details will be announced shortly.