Connacht CEO happy with draw

Connacht Rugby CEO Gerry Kelly said that they can look forward to an exciting pool campaign in the European Challenge Cup which will get under way in October.

There will be a first ever competitive clash against London Irish and also a first meeting with either Albi or Dax from France.

He said: “We’re pleased with the draw we received in this season’s European Challenge Cup. It will be exciting. Having London Irish coming to Galway will be a great sporting occasion and we’re very much looking forward to the challenge and to playing them in the Madjeski Stadium.

"It’ll be our first time facing them in Europe but we have played them over the last few years in pre season friendlies and we’ve a very good working relationship with them," he said.

The Connacht Rugby CEO said it would be a step into the unknown against the French and Italians but he was hopeful they can make it to the quarter-finals.

"We would be confident of reaching the quarter finals and now that we know who we’re playing we can look forward to the games ahead," he added.