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After three seasons, the Heineken Champions Cup is back in the West.
Connacht begin their latest European adventure this weekend when French side Montpellier visit The Sportsground in our opening Pool 5 encounter.
Here's everything you need to know about the tie.
When’s the game?
Kick-off at the Sportsground is at 1.00pm on Sunday 17th November - the perfect time for a family afternoon out.
What’s the state of play so far?
This is the opening game of the Pool but as with every European campaign every game is crucial in determining who goes on to the knockout stages.
Our first opponents are a Montpellier side who currently sit in 7th place in the Top 14 after 3 wins and 2 draws from their first 9 games. The Top 14 has been incredibly tight this season with just 3 points separating 3rd and 12th, and Montpellier are right in the middle of it.
Connacht head into the Champions Cup on the back of 4 wins from 6 in the Guinness PRO14, with a run of impressive wins bookended by disappointing losses to Scarlets and Leinster.
How’s our recent record against them?
It's been nearly 10 years since the two sides met in competitive action, with Connacht often getting the better in their Challenge Cup fixtures during the 2000s.
They last met in the 2009/10 Challenge Cup, when Connacht came away with a 22-19 win in France before a 20-10 win at The Sportsground in early 2010.
How will the two teams line up?
The Connacht management team will announce their squad at 12pm on Friday when it will be named on connachtrugby.ie and the Connacht Rugby social channels.
Are tickets still available?
Yes but you need to be quick! As with every European fixture there is a huge demand for tickets, particularly for a Champions Cup game. The sooner you book the better.
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What if I can’t make the game?
BT Sport will have live TV coverage while Galway Bay FM have live radio commentary. Please note unlike our home Guinness PRO14 ties, the game will not be on free-to-air TV.
How can I get there?
There is plenty of car parks within walking distance to The Sportsground, all of which are listed below. Please note that local restrictions will be in place so please respect our neighbours at all times.
Anything else I should know?
Please note that NO SMOKING is allowed in any of our stands at The Sportsground. Thank you for your co-operation.
