Search Results for 'Ronan Loughney'

When I came to Ireland last November to meet with the Connacht Board (PGB) and hear their vision for Connacht Rugby, I took the opportunity to find out more about Galway and the rest of the province. I asked everyone I came across in my few days in Ireland, “What is it like there?”, “Tell me about Connacht?” “Tell me about Galway?” “What is the West of Ireland like?”

Connacht are preparing for a massive backlash from English premiership champions Harlequins when Heineken Cup rugby returns to the Galway Sportsground on Saturday. No supporter could forget Connacht’s 9-8 victory over Quins in the final pool match last season - a win which ended a nightmare run of 14 defeats on the trot for the home side, produced a first much-cherished win in the Heineken Cup, but one which also ended the English outfit’s European dreams.

Connacht are preparing for a massive backlash from English premiership champions Harlequins when Heineken Cup rugby returns to the Galway Sportsground on Saturday.

After 25 years of “living and breathing” Connacht Rugby, coach Eric Elwood has said it is time for a change. In officially announcing on Wednesday evening that he would step down at the end of the season, Elwood said his decision had nothing to do with any “issues” at Connacht Rugby, but for personal reasons. “I have come to this decision after thinking long and hard about what is best for me and also what is best for Connacht. I have given a big part of my life to Connacht Rugby and I feel that it is time for me to have a change and time for the province to have a change as well.”

Ravenhill has rarely been a happy hunting ground for Connacht Rugby - their last victory was in 1960 - and Connacht head to Belfast for tomorrow evening’s fixture on the back of Eric Elwood’s decision to step down at the end of the season.

After a best place finish in last season’s RaboDirect Pro 12, greater expectation surrounds Connacht Rugby’s new campaign which opens at the Galway Sportsground on Saturday (5pm). The addition of four experienced campaigners in Dan Parks, Nathan White, Danie Poolman, and Willie Faloon, allied to some up-and-coming youngsters, has ensured Connacht boasts a bigger squad than previous seasons, and coach Eric Elwood believes Connacht are in a “good place”.

After a best place finish in last season’s RaboDirect Pro 12, greater expectation surrounds Connacht Rugby’s new campaign which opens at the Galway Sportsground on Saturday (5pm).

Connacht front row players Ethienne Reynecke and Rodney Ah You will feature in today’s Connacht Eagles fixture against Munster A at the Galway Sportsground (3pm).

Connacht complete their pre-season fixture list when they return to the Stoop to face familiar foes Harlequins on Saturday (2.45pm).

Good news for Connacht Rugby this week.