Connacht Rugby fans will not get to see Pat Lam's team in action at the Galway Sportsground before the start of this season's Celtic League.
Connacht have only two pre-season fixtures planned this season and both are away from home - against Clermont Avergne in France, and Wasps in London. It had been hoped that Newcastle Falcons would reciprocate Connacht's visit to England last season, but it is understood the English premiership side is not willing to travel.
Instead Connacht will return to France for a week-long training camp early next month, culminating with a fixture against Clermont in the Challenge Auvergne invitational competition in Issoire on Friday August 8 at 8pm. Connacht are then on the road again on Saturday August 23 when they face Wasps at Adams Park on Saturday August 23 (2.30pm ).
This season’s Celtic League fixtures will be announced today (Thursday ) at which Guinness is expected to be named as the title sponsor. It will be a huge boost for the league to have the premier brand on board, following previous sponsors Rabodirect and Magners.
