Connacht move friendly clash with Exeter to Dubarry Park
ATHLONE'S Dubarry Park - the home of Buccaneers Rugby Football Club - will host an attractive pre-season friendly between Connacht and Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, August 13, it's been confirmed.
The improvement works in the Sportsground, Galway, Connacht's usual home ground, which includes the covering of the East terrace and the erection of a 300-seater covered stand on the West side, means the College Road venue is not available for the clash with Exeter.
This game has now been moved to Dubarry Park in Athlone, with a kick-off time of 5.30pm.
The home of Buccaneers RFC, Dubarry Park has been invested in heavily over the last number of years, with the installation of TV-quality floodlights and the upgrading of the main pitch to international standard.
Dubarry Park is now the home of the Ireland Under-20 side and has hosted a number of high-profile matches, including recent Under-20 clashes against South Africa, Wales and England.
Speaking about the switch of venue, Connacht Head Coach Eric Elwood said:
"Dubarry Park provides us with a great opportunity to get out and around the province and engage with our supporters.
The Chiefs are a very similar club to ourselves. Last season was their first in the Premiership and like us they will hope to build on the good work they put in last year.
This will be the first chance supporters will have to see Connacht's new squad play together, and also the first opportunity for the players to impress the coaches."
