Connacht Rugby open their season under new coach Eric Elwood next week with the first of two friendlies to be played at the Galway Sportsground.
Connacht take on NEC Harlequins on Friday August 13 at 6.30pm and Saracens on Saturday August 21 at 6.30pm.
Harlequins are no strangers to the Sportsground, having crossed swords with Connacht in the European Challenge Cup on several occasions, and this year they are due to meet again in the same tournament.
Elwood says the pre-season friendlies are a great opportunity to test his squad against high quality English premiership outfits.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming two of the Aviva premiership’s top sides to Connacht.
“ To be the best you have to test yourself against the best, and with the quality of both the squads, there will be no shortage of talent visiting the Sportsground.”
Elwood says Connacht have undergone some “ intense pre-season training” and the two upcoming fixtures are an ideal opportunity for his players to put into action what they have been training for the last number of weeks.
Supporters can avail of a special package for both matches by purchasing tickets in advance from www.ticketmaster.ie or from the Connacht Rugby Offices on College Road. The package, which includes a ticket for each of the pre-season friendlies, can be purchased from: enclosed€30, general ground €20 and concession €15. Tickets at these rates must be purchased in advance.
Individual tickets for these matches will be priced at enclosed €20, general ground €15, concession €10 and junior €5. Children under 12 years old will be admitted for free.
Season tickets can still be purchased from www.ticketmaster.ie or the Connacht Branch Offices. With two Italian teams joining the Magners League, supporters will have two extra home games this season. A ground ticket costs €225, which will cover the two pre-season friendly matches, 11 Magners League games at the Sportsground, and the three home pool games in the Amlin Challenge Cup. A renewal season ticket for the enclosed stand is €275, family tickets €375, concessions €150, and juniors €60.
