Search Results for '2010–11 European Challenge Cup'

As September approaches, Connacht are busy in preparation for a season of change for European club rugby.

After three seasons of Heineken Cup rugby, Connacht return to the Challenge Cup next season where they will face new opposition in two French and an English outfit. Drawn in pool two and ranked in tier four of eight, Connacht will face English outfit Exeter Chiefs, ranked in tier one.

Connacht Rugby is already swinging into gear to cope with an expected increase in supporters after the province drew European blue-bloods Toulouse in Tuesday’s Heineken Cup draw. Covering for the east terrace at the Galway Sportsground is expected to start within the next two weeks to ensure the College Road venue is more conducive to Heineken Cup rugby fans who will welcome four-times European champions Toulouse later this year. Connacht, in tier four of the 24 teams, has been grouped with the current French champions Toulouse, Amlin Cup winners Harlequins, and Gloucester, who finished third in the English premiership.

Connacht Rugby is already swinging into gear to cope with an expected increase in supporters after the province drew European blue-bloods Toulouse in Tuesday’s Heineken Cup draw. Covering for the east terrace at the Galway Sportsground is expected to start within the next two weeks to ensure the College Road venue is more conducive to Heineken Cup rugby fans who will welcome four-times European champions Toulouse later this year. Connacht, in tier four of the 24 teams, has been grouped with the current French champions Toulouse, Amlin Cup winners Harlequins, and Gloucester, who finished third in the English premiership.

Connacht will face English premiership side Harlequins in next season’s European Challenge Cup following publication of the draw yesterday.

Connacht can now qualify for the Heineken Cup through a new “back door” system which gives the country of the tournament winners an extra place.