Connacht Rugby will play their first senior competitive game in Mayo next year, marking a historic moment for the team. The BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Munster will take place on 29 March at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar, with the match scheduled to kick off at 2:30 pm.
The confirmation of the fixture comes after approval from the GAA’s Central Council earlier this month. Connacht Rugby will follow in the footsteps of Munster, Leinster, and Ulster, who have previously played games at intercounty GAA venues.
Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins expressed his excitement about the move, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the game. “It’s fantastic. Everyone is delighted the deal got over the line, both for those in Mayo and us here in Galway and everywhere else around the place,” Wilkins said.
The decision to play the match in Castlebar is largely driven by the ongoing redevelopment of Connacht’s Dexcom Stadium, which has limited its capacity to just over 4,000. In contrast, MacHale Park can accommodate 25,000 spectators, offering a significant opportunity to expand Connacht Rugby’s reach across the province.
“It’s just such an exciting proposition. When it first came up, I commented on the fact of taking the game to another part of the province and opening the game to more fans than what we can get into Dexcom at the moment,” Wilkins added. “To be playing at a venue that means so much to Mayo sport and Connacht sport in general is just brilliant.”
Wilkins also pointed to the success of other provinces that have played games at GAA venues, noting the positive reactions and strong performances that have followed. “We’re delighted, there is a buzz amongst the players as we got the heads up this morning. They can’t wait,” he said, emphasizing that the entire week surrounding the match would generate excitement.
In other news, Wilkins has expressed support for winger Mack Hansen following his controversial remarks about refereeing after Connacht’s 20-12 loss to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. Hansen voiced frustrations about inconsistent officiating and the impact it had on Connacht’s momentum during the game.
“I think every coaching room feels that they are hard done by, especially when they lose,” Wilkins explained. “Mack’s comments were more about looking for inconsistency in reactions to moments in the game. His frustrations were borne of a feeling of inconsistency.”
Wilkins confirmed that Connacht would continue to provide feedback on refereeing through the appropriate channels, emphasizing that no harm was intended toward Leinster players. “It’s not about getting Leinster players in trouble. It’s about seeking consistency in the decisions,” he concluded.
