Connacht chief Kelly relishing home comforts

THE chief executive of Connacht Rugby Gerry Kelly said he is delighted their Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final against Toulon will be accommodated in the Sportsground.

There were fears it might have to be moved from a ground, where Connacht are unbeaten in eight games going back to last September, but the tie will now go ahead there on Friday, April 30, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Kelly said they would look at bringing in temporary seating with a view towards getting the capacity up from 5,000 to at least 8,000.

“We are delighted with the outcome. It is where the players and management want it, and we wanted to reward our loyal supporters and the local business community who have backed us on good days and bad.

“We can now concentrate on planning the event which should be a special day for everyone associated with Connacht Rugby,” he said.

Kelly said they would be working with organisations such as Galway City Council and Fáilte Ireland to build up the Bank Holiday event.

“Last Saturday was a special day for Connacht when we beat Bourgoin and we now have the chance to reach our first ever European final,” he added.

Standing in their way is a Toulon side with a €16.5m budget — about six times that of Connacht — as Johnny Wilkinson and Felipe Contepomi return to the Sportsground having featured there for Newcastle Falcons and Leinster in the past.

Toulon visited 10 years ago where they lost 27-13, but they won both games between the sides in France.