from the Connacht Rugby media office :
Three talented All Ireland League players have been given the opportunity to display their talents at Connacht Rugby after being awarded development contracts with the province. Brian Murphy, Matt Healy and JP Cooney have been drafted in as Head Coach Eric Elwood puts the finishing touches to the 2012/13 squad.
With the first block of pre-season training finished and the season almost upon us the squad is taking shape in more ways than one. Last year saw a new look Connacht team with 16 players joining the club but the season ahead will see a much more settled Connacht side take to the pitch.
Connacht's participation in the British & Irish cup, the Heineken Cup and the RaboDirect PRO12 have led to considerable investment in players and a number of astute signings have bolstered the squad in key areas. There have also been several internal promotions from the Connacht Academy to the senior setup highlighting the commitment of the club in developing it's own indigenous players.
Connacht put together some extraordinary performances last season, finishing eighth in the league and toppling Aviva Premiership winners Harlequins in the Heineken Cup, and the future looks even brighter for the western club. Season ticket sales have soared and overtaken last year's record breaking figure already and crowds are expected to flock to the Sportsground to see the new recruits in action.
As well as seasoned campaigners such as John Muldoon, Michael Swift and Johnny O'Connor, Connacht fans will have the opportunity to see Scottish international Dan Parks, Heineken Cup finalists Nathan White and Willie Faloon and the Stormers Danie Poolman line out in the green of Connacht this season.
The latest additions to the squad include former Leinster and Bristol hooker Jason Harris-Wright, Lansdowne RFC's flying winger Matt Healy, centre Brian Murphy from Galwegians and Garryowen's Bateman Cup winning prop, JP Cooney. They will join some of Connacht's brightest young talents when Connacht kick start their RaboDirect PRO12 campaign in early September.
Head Coach Eric Elwood is delighted with the way the squad has taken shape saying:
"The new guys have slotted into our setup very nicely. Tom (McLoughlin) is putting the squad through a tough preseason programme which should see us in good shape come the start of the season. It's an exciting time for everyone with our second year in the Heineken Cup and competing in the British & Irish Cup for the first time. It's great to see the Academy players coming through and integrating into the senior squad."
"We went through some major restructuring last season and we still finished in our highest ever league position so we're all looking forward to what we can achieve this year."
Connacht Rugby squad 2012/13
Props:
Brett Wilkinson, Ronan Loughney, Denis Buckley, Rodney Ah You, Nathan White, JP Cooney
Hookers:
Adrian Flavin, Ethienne Reynecke, Jason Harris Wright
2nd Rows:
Michael Swift, Mike McCarthy, Andrew Browne, Dave Nolan, Dave Gannon, Mick Kearney
Back Rows:
John Muldoon, Johnny O'Connor, Willie Faloon, TJ Anderson, Eoghan Grace, Eoin McKeon, George Naoupu
Scrum-halves:
Frank Murphy, Dave Moore, Paul O'Donohoe
Out-halves:
Miah Nikora, Matthew Jarvis, Dan Parks
Centres:
Eoin Griffin, Kyle Tonetti, Danie Poolman, Dave McSharry, Brian Murphy, Mata Fafita
Wingers:
Mark McCrea, Fetu'u Vainikolo, James Loxton, Matt Healy
Fullbacks:
Gavin Duffy, Tiernan O'Halloran
Also, Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the sale of matchday tickets for the 2012/13 season.
As of today, supporters can purchase tickets for any of Connacht's RaboDirect PRO12 and Heineken Cup matches between now and the New Year. Utilising TicketMaster's expertise in supplying matchday ticketing solutions, Connacht Rugby supporters can print their matchday tickets themselves or opt to have tickets posted to them. Supporters can also purchase matchday tickets in Elverys stores throughout the province with shops in Westport, Tuam, Claremorris and Galway Retail Park.
Connacht's competitive season kicks off in four weeks time with a clash in the Sportsground against the Cardiff Blues. This will be our supporter's first chance to see Eric Elwood's new recruits in action and for those who can't avail of the great value season tickets, this launch represents the first opportunity to guarantee a place in the stands for the opening match.
Recognising the impact recessionary measures have taken on Connacht's ardent supporters, the club has decided not to increase to price of tickets for the majority of games, with only a nominal increase for inter-provincial matches.
The season kicks off against the Cardiff Blues on September 1st and Connacht supporters can catch all the action live for just €20 for an adult ticket, and €15 for a concession ticket.
Maintaining the family friendly atmosphere in the Sportsground continues to be a high priority for the club and children under twelve can still gain free access to non-interprovincial games. All children under the age of 18 are charged just €5 for interprovincial matches and €10 for Heineken Cup games.
There has been a slight increase in the prices for the three interprovincial matches (Leinster, Munster & Ulster) but at €25 for an adult ticket they still work out as one of the best value rugby tickets in the country.
Season tickets remain the most economical way to see Connacht in action throughout the season and there are still some incredible savings to be made with our adult tickets, a family passes and concession tickets for those eligible. A regular adult season ticket holder can save up to €100 versus the cost of buying at the gate for each match, and that's before any discounts are added for introducing a friend to the scheme.
A recent consolidation of commercial requirements has enabled Connacht Rugby to release an extra tract of the popular Clan Terrace season tickets. The new spiritual home of the Connacht Clan proved a huge hit with supporters and players alike and the raucous atmosphere is set to continue with the terrace virtually sold out and the last remaining tickets on sale now.
Connacht Rugby ticketing structure 2012/13
Season Ticket
Adult
€225
Family
€400
Concession
€150
Junior (12-18)
€80
@ the Gate non inter-pro
Adult Gold
€25
Adult
€20
Family
n/a
Concession
€15
Junior (12-18)
€5
Children (u12)
free
@ the Gate inter-pro
Adult Gold
€30
Adult
€25
Family
n/a
Concession
€20
Junior (12-18)
€5
Children (u12)
€5
@ the Gate Heineken Cup
Adult Gold (if available)
€40
Adult
€30
Family
n/a
Concession
€20
Junior (12-18)
€10
Children (u12)
€10
