Challenge Cup fixtures confirmed

Connacht’s European Challenge Cup fixtures have been confirmed ahead of the forthcoming 2017/18 campaign.

Kieran Keane's side will kick off the new European season away to Oyonnax on Saturday, October 14, (kick-off 8pm, local time) at Stade de Geneve.

After their opener, Connacht then host Worcester Warriors at the Sportsground on Saturday, October 21 (3pm).

In December, it's back-to-back clashes with Brive. We travel to the Amedee Domenech on Saturday, December 9, with a 9pm kick-off, local time. We are back at the Sportsground for another Saturday 3pm kick-off in the return fixture on December 16.

January will see Connacht travel to Worcester on the weekend of January 12 and complete the pool stages at home against Oyonnax on the weekend of January 29.

All Connacht home fixtures are included in a 2017/18 Season Ticket. Buy yours online now here.

European Challenge Cup fixtures (Kick-off times are local)

Saturday, October 14

Oyonnax v Connacht, Stade de Geneve, 8pm;

Saturday, October 21

Connacht v Worcester Warriors, the Sportsground, 3pm;

Saturday, December 9

Brive v Connacht, Amedee Domenech, 9pm;

Saturday, December 16

Connacht v Brive, the Sportsground, 3pm;

January 11-14

Worcester Warriors vs Connacht, Sixways;

January 18-21

Connacht v Oyonnax, the Sportsground;

The Challenge Cup consist of five pools of four clubs with the five pool winners and the three best runners-up qualifying for the knockout stages.

The 40 clubs from eight countries in both tournaments have qualified on merit from Europe's three leading professional leagues - the Aviva Premiership, Guinness PRO14 and TOP 14 - and from the Continental Shield.

South African clubs competing in the Guinness PRO14 are not eligible for European tournaments.

The Challenge Cup and Champions Cup finals will be staged at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on 11 and 12 May 2018.

2017/18 will be the 23rd season of European professional club rugby.