5 months ago 
With just three sleeps until the start of the new season, the squad gathered at the gym this morning for their headshots, walk-ups, jersey signings and celebration pics.
We’re getting close now!
The Connacht U18s management team have announced a 26-man squad for the upcoming U18 Inter-Provincial Series.
In a first for the competition the series will take place in its entirety across eight days at University of Limerick, with the squad travelling to their base tomorrow morning ahead of the series opener against Leinster U18s on Saturday (k/o 11am).
Next up is a meeting with Munster U18s on Wednesday 22nd August (k/o 3pm), followed by the concluding game against Ulster U18s on Sunday 26th August (k/o 1pm).
Connacht U18 Head Coach Colm Tucker says:
“We are looking forward to the upcoming challenge of the inter-pro series in UL. It will be the first time this format has been employed with 3 games over 8 days and it presents a very exciting and tough challenge with all teams boarding and training in UL for the duration. The squad have worked hard this summer and have prepared well. We are looking forward to getting to Limerick and getting the games underway. We would hope to see as many Connacht supporters there as possible to support the team.”
| CONNACHT U18’s 2018/19 | |||
| Name | Position | Club | School |
| Alan Duffy | Prop | Ballina RFC | Jesus and Mary Enniscrone |
| Aodha Hession | Scrumhalf | Creggs RFC | CBS Roscommon |
| Caolan Hopkins | Prop | Ballina RFC | St. Josephs, Foxford |
| Cathal Fleming | Backrow | Monivea RFC | Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew |
| Cathal Forde | Outhalf | Corinthians RFC | Colaiste Iognaid |
| Cian Scanlon | Prop | Corinthians RFC | Scoil Chuimsitheach, Chiaran |
| Conal O’Grioffa | Backrow | Corinthians RFC | Scoil Chuimsitheach, Chiaran |
| Conor O’Shaughnessy | Fullback | Galweigans RFC | St Jarleths |
| Daragh Hanrahan | Centre | Corinthians RFC | Colaiste Iognaid |
| Daragh Murray | Second Row | Buccaneers RFC | Colaiste Chiaran |
| Diarmuid McCormack | Backrow | Corinthians RFC | Colaiste Iognaid |
| Donnacha Byrne | Backrow | Sligo RFC | Summerhill College |
| Eoin de Buitléar | Hooker | Corinthians RFC | Scoil Chuimsitheach, Chiaran |
| Harry Balsiger | Fullback | Buccaneers RFC | Gallen CS |
| Hubert Costello | Backrow | Corinthians RFC | Calasanctius College |
| Hubert Gilvarry | Fullback | Sligo RFC | Sligo Grammar |
| Jack Power | Centre | Galweigans RFC | Colaiste Iognaid |
| Kacper Palamarczuk | Number 8 | Westport RFC | Rice College |
| Leo McFarlane | Scrumhalf | Buccaneers RFC | Marist College, Athlone |
| Luke Hogge | Centre | Sligo RFC | Colaiste Mhuire |
| Martin Fallon | Second row | Buccaneers RFC | Marist College, Athlone |
| Matthew Earley | Hooker | Carrick on Shannon RFC | Sligo Grammar |
| Oisin McCormack | Backrow | Ballinasloe RFC | Garbally |
| Rory McCleane | Wing | Oughterard RFC | Colaiste Einde |
| Sam O’Sullivan | Centre | Creggs RFC | Marist College, Athlone |
| Dylan Keane | Centre | Ballinrobe RFC | Roscrea |
| MANAGEMENT 2018/19 | |||
| Colm Tucker | Head Coach | ||
| Lyndon Jones | Assistant Coach | ||
| Richard Doyle | Manager | ||
| Ann Caffrey | S&C | ||
| Ryan Worden | Lead Physio | ||
| Sheosaimh McDonagh | Analyst | ||
| Shane O’Reilly | Physio |
Fixtures
Saturday 18th August
Connacht U18s v Leinster U18s (kick-off 11am)
Wednesday 22nd August
Connacht U18s v Munster U18s (kick-off 3pm)
Sunday 26th August
Connacht U18s v Ulster U18s (kick-off 1pm)
Live rugby action returns to the Sportsground next Friday for the first of Connacht’s pre-season friendlies for the 2015/16 season, against French side FC Grenoble. Get your season ticket before then, and you’ll get into this game for free!
Former Connacht players Bernard Jackman, head coach at Grenoble, and Andrew Farley, team manager, will bring their Top 14 side to Galway on Friday August 7th for a 5:15pm kick off.
It’s been ten years since Grenoble last played in Galway when the French side were drawn in the same Challenge Cup pool. Connacht were 19 – 3 winners that day in January 2005 and Michael Swift got over for one of the two tries scored.
Jackman’s side, featuring South African international winger Gio Aplon and Tongan prop Sona Taumalolo will provide Pat Lam and the coaching team an opportunity to test their players against different opposition. Supporters can also look forward to watching young Ireland-born players James Hart, Chris Farrell and Denis Coulson in action.
Remember, the best way to secure your place at this match, and all 11 PRO12 and 3 European fixtures at the Sportsground is to get your Season Ticket for 2015/16. Enjoy 14 live rugby games, €40 off other tickets and much more. Buy before Friday August 7th to get into the Grenoble game. Treat yourself, or give the gift of Connacht Rugby to your family or friends. Adult prices start at €269, a huge saving on regular tickets.
