European rugby action returns to the Sportsground

Thu, Jan 10, 2019

The stakes are increasing as the penultimate European pool fixtures take place this weekend, and the Sportsground will host a key game when Sale arrive in Galway on Saturday (3pm).

Connacht ready to test their growing confidence in the RDS

Thu, Dec 20, 2018

After Connacht's important victory over Perpignan last Saturday, coach Andy Friend instructed his players to savour the moment because next up was a massive challenge against the champions of Europe and the PRO14 title holders.

Christmas cheer for Galwegians after a first league win

Thu, Dec 20, 2018

After eight straight losses, Galwegians managed their first win of the season at home to Nenagh Ormond on Saturday, claiming the points by 20-12.

It was hard earned as they were made to fight every inch of the way, but it is a real Christmas boost for Brian McClearn’s side as they head into the Chrismas break.

Connacht prepare for Perpignan backlash in vital Euro clash

Thu, Dec 13, 2018

Connacht's European hopes are on the line tomorrow evening in France (7pm) when they face a Perpignan outfit desperate to get a first win of the season.

Connacht Rugby boosts capacity for Christmas crackers

Thu, Dec 13, 2018

Additional temporary terracing is to be installed in the Sportsground to meet the high level of ticket demand for the traditional festive interprovincial clashes against Ulster and Munster.

Extra terracing will increase capacity to more than 8,000 spectators when Connacht take on Ulster on Friday December 28, followed by Munster on Saturday January 5, both at 7.35pm.

‘Winning can become a habit, as can losing’

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

Connacht coach Andy Friend believes securing a win against Perpignan at the Sportsground (3pm) this weekend in the European Challenge Cup is important to continue the momentum the province has built up over their last three matches as they head into one of the busiest times of the season.

Ulster Bank create history with late Heneghan point

Thu, Dec 06, 2018

 Ulster Bank (Galway) 3-7
Hollister (Mayo) 2-9

Hollister (Mayo) 2-9

Connacht ready for Cheetahs and Bloemfontein

Thu, Nov 29, 2018

Connacht coach Andy Friend says his players are ready for whatever the Cheetahs and the conditions of Bloemfontein will throw at them whenever kick-off comes around on Saturday at the Toyota Stadium.

‘If we stick to our systems, we have enough to handle it’

Thu, Nov 22, 2018

Connacht are back in action this Sunday against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth after a two week break.

The province currently sits in fifth place in Conference A, only two points off a play-off spot as they prepare for their two game tour of South Africa. Coach Andy Friend says the break came at the perfect time for his side after a run of 10 games.

Clinical Connacht bag bonus point-win to maintain push for top four

Thu, Nov 08, 2018

Andy Friend, after this first 10 weeks as the new Connacht coach, believes his squad is capable of being a Champions Cup rugby team.

Friend to roll the dice as Dragons hit the Sportsground

Thu, Nov 01, 2018

Connacht coach Andy Friend is prepared to "roll the dice" in his selections this week ahead of the Dragons' visit the the Sportsground on Saturday.

Record number of rugby schools in cup contests

Thu, Nov 01, 2018

A record number of teams will contest this season’s Top Oil Connacht Schools Cups which will be officially launched later this week.

In total there are 61 teams across 37 schools taking part in this year’s tournaments, with the opening pool games taking place on Wednesday January 16. More pool games over successive weeks will determine who will go on to the knockout stages.

It’s time for Connacht to clip Ospreys' wings

Thu, Oct 25, 2018

Connacht’s heavy hitters are expected to return this week for a pivotal Pro14 fixture against Ospreys in Wales.

Connacht aim to unseat Sale from the driving seat in Europe

Thu, Oct 18, 2018

Coach Andy Friend renews his relationship with premiership rugby when Connacht take on Sale in the European Challenge Cup second round at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Roux signs on

Thu, Oct 18, 2018

Good news for Connacht this week. Lock Quinn Roux, who has been a key force this season, has signed a new two-year deal with the province.

The 27-year-old South African with six Ireland caps first arrived in Connacht on loan from Leinster in 2014 and made his Ireland debut two seasons later. When asked about the extension Roux said: "Yeah, I feel like I have had a massive season so far, and it's obviously nice to get the contract sorted at this time of the year and getting that out of the way and just focus on my performances every week. So yeah, I'm delighted to be in Galway for another two seasons."

Connacht in positive form as European campaign opens

Thu, Oct 11, 2018

Connacht must turn their positivity into points on Saturday when French side Bordeaux-Begles visit the Sportsground for this year's opening European fixture.

No late joy for Galwegians

Thu, Oct 11, 2018

Galwegians lost their second game in this season’s AIL campaign and their first home fixture when they came up short, losing 15-27 against UL Bohs at Crowley Park on Saturday.

The Blues started well, opening the scoring in the second minute when outhalf Morgan Codyre struck a penalty near the 22. However the visitors soon got into their stride, and hit the front after 11 minutes when prop Joey Conway burrowed his way over from close in after a sustained period of pressure.

Friend tries to lift burden of history from Connacht

Thu, Oct 04, 2018

Historical baggage can be incentive or curse, or as Connacht coach Andy Friend now believes, it should be ignored.

Champions Leinster arrive on revenge mission

Thu, Sep 27, 2018

The battle lines are drawn for the first Pro14 interprovincial of the season when champions Leinster arrive in the Galway Sportsground on Saturday (5.15pm).

Ospreys swoop for late try

Thu, Sep 27, 2018

Connacht Eagles suffered a last-minute Celtic Cup defeat to Welsh visitors Ospreys, losing 27-22 at Dubarry Park on Friday evening.

The Eagles, with six senior players in the starting XV, were level 22-22 heading into the final minutes, but when they lost the ball as the clock ticked down, Ospreys displayed their determination to keep ball in hand before replacement hooker Garin Lloyd crossed to take the spoils.

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