Connacht to host Castres twice this autumn

Connacht will host Castres Olympique twice in the Sportsground following their match with South Africa on August 21.

Castres come to the Sportsground on Tuesday, August 28 (kick off 7pm) and again on Saturday, September 1.

Connacht then travel to London the following week for a double header with NEC Harlequins on September 7 (kick off 7.45pm) when their match with the former European Challenge Cup winners is preceded by an ‘A' match.

Connacht coach Michael Bradley said: "Castres and Harlequins are two quality sides and when you consider we'll be playing South Africa the week before Castres, we should find ourselves in a position to hit the ground running once the Magners League kicks off.

"We've always tried to get preseason games against stiff opposition and this season is likely to be the toughest we've ever had. It's going to be a great test for us and also great for Connacht supporters to see these sides and we're looking forward to the games already."