Connacht Rugby, usually referred to simply as Connacht, is one of the four professional provincial rugby teams from Ireland. They compete in the RaboDirect Pro12 and the Heineken Cup. Beginning in 2012–13, Connacht also fields an "A" (developmental) side in the semi-professional British and Irish Cup. The team represents the IRFU Connacht Branch, which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU and is responsible for rugby union in the Irish province of Connacht.
The team plays its home games at the Galway Sportsgrounds, which can normally hold 7,500 spectators though is expandable to 9,500 for important games. Connacht play in a predominantly green and black jersey, black shorts and green and black socks. The Connacht Rugby crest is a modified version of the provincial flag of Connacht and consists of a dimidiated eagle and an arm wielding a sword.
Connacht has a much smaller base of rugby union players to choose from than the other three provinces, due in part to its small population and the relative popularity of Gaelic Athletic Association sports such as hurling and Gaelic football. Connacht currently has only 7% of the total number of Irish rugby union players; however rugby union in Connacht has expanded in recent years, with a growing number of players involved and an increasing number of schools now playing the game.
Through the work of the Connacht Branch and the support of the IRFU, the province over the last five years has had the largest growth in underage and schools participation in Ireland.
Read more about Connacht Rugby: History, Current Standings, Development Team Status, Galway Sportsground, Connacht Eagles, Representative Senior Clubs, Provincial Honours, Coaches in Professional Era, Current Squad, Players in Season 2012/13, Players Out Season 2012/13, Club & Schools Competitions