The all-weather training facility developed at the Sportsground in recent months is proving invaluable during the big freeze.

Connacht's home games against Leinster and the Dragons have fallen by the wayside because of the frost and snow.

But the all-weather training facility developed behind the Connacht Branch headquarters at the Sportsground ensures the squad can stay in top shape.

The facility, located close to the new gym, was completed a few months ago and with pitches throughout the country under a blanket of frost and snow, is proving invaluable.

"It's great because it allows us maintain some level of normality during a difficult time for all teams. Like other teams we have had to adapt our training programme but the all-weather facility, along with the gym here at the Sportsground, is great because it allows us get on with things as best as we can," said coach Michael Bradley.

Connacht are hopeful that Friday night’s Magners League clash with the Dragons will go ahead at the Sportsground (6.30pm).
CEO Gerry Kelly said that heaters are being used in addition to extra covering in a bid to ensure the game goes ahead.
He said that they were in daily contact with the Dragons and a decision would be taken on Thursday as the Welsh side are due to fly then.
“We are looking at ways to blow heat under another cover to try and thaw the ground.
“Northampton have had similar problems like this in the past and we have been talking with them. We are looking at all options and we have taken IRFU advice and all others,” he said.
The CEO said the postponing of Saturday’s Magners League match was the first time he recalled a game not taking place at the venue.
“In my time, we have never postponed a game here – John Holland, the former groundsman who is around a lot longer than me, said that it was 1963 when we last had a freeze like this,” he said.

The Magners League clash between Connacht and Leinster has been CALLED OFF following a second pitch inspection.

The game had been given the go ahead following a pitch inspection at 12 noon.

However, following a subsequent inspection by match referee Peter Fitzgibbon and coaches Michael Bradley and Michael Cheika at 2pm, a decision was taken to call off the match.

The game will be refixed and tickets purchased for today's game will be valid for the refixed match.

The Magners League game between Connacht and Leinster will GO AHEAD as scheduled at 4pm this Saturday afternoon.

The pitch at the Sportsground, which has been covered since Thursday, was inspected at noon today and the green light was given for the game to go ahead.

Supporters are advised to allow plenty of time to get to the ground as heavy overnight frost has made road conditions difficult.

Meanwhile, the AIB Junior Cup semi-final between Monivea and City of Derry, which was due to take place at the Castle Grounds in Monivea this afternoon, has now been scheduled for 6.30pm at the Sportsground this Saturday evening.