After last Saturday’s preseason match against the Exeter Chiefs in Athlone Head Coach Eric Elwood’s Connacht will take on an Ireland Select XV in Donnybrook (Thursday 18th August, kick-off 18.30)

August 1999 was the last time Connacht took on an Ireland Select XV, a game which Connacht lead 18 points to 10 at half time. Warren Gatland was the Head Coach and Eric Elwood played outhalf, kicking 3 penalties and converting a Mel Dean try but it was Ireland who eventually ran out 43 26 winners after late trys from Eric Miller and Kevin Maggs.

This season see’s 16 new players join the Connacht ranks and with plenty of positions still up for grabs on the starting XV the game, 1 of 3 preseason fixtures for Connacht, promises to be a true test for both teams as Declan Kidneys charges bid for World Cup places.

Tickets for the match can be purchased from IRFU Offices at 10/12 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or at the turnstiles at Donnybrook Stadium on the evening of the game and cost €10 for an Adult and €5 for Child/OAP/Student

Pictured in action against Exeter are Connacht's TJ Anderson and Ray Ofisa (C) www.inpho.ie