Launch of Club Ambassador Programme

We launched the Connacht Club Ambassador Programme last weekend as two representatives from each of the 27 clubs in Connacht were invited to our clash the Worcester Warriors game and met some of the players before enjoying our first home European fixture of the season.

The Ambassador Programme involves at least two professional players being designated to each of the 27 clubs throughout the province for the 2017/18 season.

Each ambassador will visit their club for a range of specialist coaching sessions and seminars throughout the season depending on the needs of each individual club. Players have been assigned to clubs taking into account previous playing or coaching experience in the area.

Commenting on the launch last week, Joe Gorham, Head of Club and Community at Connacht Rugby, said, “We are delighted to be announcing this initiative. The core purpose of our Grassroots to Green Shirts vision is to inspire the community through rugby success. This initiative will strengthen the link between the individual clubs and the professional players.

"Clubs will have the opportunity to lean on the professional experience of players and the programme is a great opportunity for professional player development. Community is central to everything we do in Connacht and this programme is further example of that.”

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Stephen Jenkins and Aidan Healy, Ballyhaunis RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Evan Gannon and Martin Gannon, Ballinrobe RFC, Fionan Sweeney and Jarlath Sweeney Claremorris RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Dr Tom Meagher and Michael Cleary, Buccaneers RFC and Andrew Keegan, Ballina RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Rory Gibson, Corinthians RFC, Paul Shelly Galwegians, Connacht Rugby President Brian O'Beirn and Jeff Smith, Corinthians RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Dave Madden and Norman Deacy Oughterard RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Des Mahon, Monivea RFC and Dr Tom Meagher, Buccaneers RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Dinny Monaghan, Tom O'Brien and Amy Monaghan, Creggs RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Brian Harte, Rory Harte and Johnny Feeney, Galway Bay RFC
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 2, The Sportsground, Galway 21/10/2017
Connacht vs Worcester Warriors
Robert Lahiff, Cregg RFC and Adrian Leedy, IRFU, Robert Lahiff, Chairman Domestic Rugby Committee
Robert Lahiff
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie