Connacht move Exeter game to Dubarry Park

The improvement works in the Sportsground, which include the covering of the East terrace and erection of a 300+ seater covered stand on the West side will mean the College Road venue will not be available for the clash with Exeter Chiefs on August the 13^th. This game 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 standards. Dubarry is now the home of the Ireland U20 side and has hosted a number of high profile matches including recent clashes against South Africa, Wales and England.

Speaking about the switch of venue 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’s 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 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.”

The newly formed Connacht Rugby Supporters Club will be helping with travel arrangements to and from the game and more details will be announced shortly.

Ireland U20's in action against Italy U20 at Dubarry Park

Work continues on the all new covered Clan Terrace

Preparing the ground for the support pillars that will keep the roof in place