Sportsground Will Host Connacht’s Semi-Final

Connacht and French side Toulon will open European club rugby’s prestigious semi-finals weekend when they meet in the first of the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-finals at the Sportsground on Friday, April 30.

ERC, the tournament organisers, today announced the confirmed dates, kick-off times and broadcast coverage for the two Amlin Challenge Cup semi-finals, with former champions London Wasps meeting Cardiff Blues in the other last four match.

Initial doubt as to the venue for the Connacht v Toulon tie were laid to rest after talks between the Connacht managment and ERC officials concluded with the Galway City pitch being given the go-ahead.

Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly was delighted with the news, saying: “The Sportsground was always our prefered option for the semi-final, not only does it give us every opportunity on the pitch – Connacht have not lost at home since September – but it gives us a chance to reward our fans and sponsors alike.

“We look forward to working closely with local businesses, Galway City Council and Failté Ireland to make this a truely memorable event.”

Connacht v Toulon tckets will go on sale early next week from www.ticketmaster.ie and from the Connacht Branch offices in the Sportsground on College Road.

2009/10 AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINALS:

Friday, April 30 –

CONNACHT v Toulon, the Sportsground, 7.45pm (live Sky Sports/FR4)

Saturday, May 1 –

London Wasps v Cardiff Blues, Adams Park, 6pm (live Sky Sports/Eurosport France)