Connacht in driving seat with new deal

CONNACHT have parted company with their long-time sponsors as they strive to financially match the other provinces following their elevation to the Heineken Cup.

Bank of Ireland, their sponsors for the past 14 seasons, have lost out to Mazda to be the main backers of Eric Elwood’s men as they finally make their Heineken Cup debut.

Bank of Ireland had hoped to continue as title sponsor but Connacht secured a more lucrative deal from the Japanese car manufacturers in what is believed to be a three-year deal.