Connacht to play Castres twice

Connacht will play Castres Olympique at The Sportsground on Tuesday, August 28, (kick off 7pm) in the first match of a double header against the French Super 14 outfit, before they conclude the series on Saturday, September 1, (kick off 4pm).

Coach Michael Bradley said: "Castres are a huge club in France", the former 40 times capped Ireland international.

"I feel it's a huge coup for Connacht to get them to come to the Sportsground in the build up to the new season.

"Its an excellent test for us. Having produced the goods against South Africa, it now gives us an opportunity to focus more on our ability to score rather than the defence and breakdown, where we performed superbly last week".

"The idea is that Castres will be travelling with their full squad," Bradley said.

"They'll be looking to give every player game time and will use the week to facilitate team building and training. Preseason training can be very long and such a trip is ideal to break up the months and make it all the more enjoyable."