Linley MacKenzie
Connacht Rugby are still waiting for confirmation of this season's new United Rugby Championship fixtures, due to begin on September 25.
URC organisers continue to try to co-ordinate dates, particularly to accommodate the South African teams and on-going Covid issues. Dubai is currently touted as an alternative venue for some fixtures, but this has yet to be confirmed.
Although several fixture lists have been drafted, none as yet have been finalised despite the looming start date of September 25.
However Connacht's preparations continue apace with all having returned to last month - with the exception of Lions' player Bundee Aki.
The squad will have a week's break before returning for two pre-season friendlies which are being lined up. Andy Friend's squad will travel to Worcester on September 3, while a second game against London Irish has yet to be confirmed.
Women's interpro
Connacht's women's rugby has been boosted with the televising of all interprovincial championship games for the first time this season.
All six games of the 2021 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship will be broadcast free-to-air on TG4 while the three Ulster Rugby matches will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer.
Connacht open their campaign at home to Leinster at the Sportsground on Saturday August 28 at 2.30pm, while their second game is away to Munster at Musgrave Park at 7.30pm on September 4.
The final round of fixtures will see both games at Energia Park in Donnybrook where Connacht take on Ulster in the first of the two games at 5pm, followed by Leinster and Munster at 7.30pm
All Ireland League
The domestic club season opened last weekend with two senior men's matches played. There were wins for Ballina over Corinthians by 32-26 at Heffernan Park, while Sligo surprised with a 46-10 victory over Buccaneers at Hamilton Park.
This weekend Galwegians open their campaign when hosting Sligo at Crowley Park, while Buccaneers will be looking for a win over Ballina at Dubarry Park.
