Connacht 'A' to face Russian side

Connacht 'A' are set to take on Russian side Enisei STM at the Sportsground on Tuesday, April 22.

The Russian side who finished second in last season's Firepower Professional Rugby League are touring Ireland as part of their preseason campaign and will also be taking on Leinster 'A' as well as Japan.

Based in Krasnoyarsk, where rugby is very popular, Enisei are a fully professional side who boast a host of Russian, Kazakstan and Latvian Internationals.

Among their ranks are several players to watch out for, including their Captain and Latvian International scrumhalf, Yuri Baronovs, 19-year-old Kazakstan full back Maxim Lifontov who is reknowned for his goal kicking ability and Russian International hooker Roman Romak.

Last season saw them take part in a very successful tour of France where they played several second division sides.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly is delighted to be welcoming a Russian side to the Sportsground for the first time and sees the match as a chance for Connacht supporters to see an entirely different style of rugby being played.

"We're delighted to be expanding our frontiers in welcoming the first Russian side to play at the Sportsground. We know they're very experienced and it'll be a great opportunity for some of our younger players to play a team with a different style of rugby".

The game will start at 7pm.

Tickets will be available at the gate on the night for €10, with OAPs/students/children costing €5.