THE CONNACHT Professional Game Board yesterday outlined specific plans for a three-year development of professional rugby on and off the pitch in the Irish province.
The board, which is independent of the Connacht Branch and IRFU but is accountable to the union’s management committee, was set up last November and has been working to put together a framework for progress.
The board offered a presentation that focuses on strengthening the Connacht brand and the methods they hope to employ to induce a greater identity with the professional team within the province. In essence they have borrowed from aspects of the successful Leinster model in particular in terms of the overall blueprint.
The board, which consists of Conor McGuinness (former Ireland and Connacht scrumhalf), Damian Devany (marketing consultant), Steve Cunningham (business consultant and former Connacht branch president), Pat O’Connor (Swinford solicitor and former president of the Law Society), Liam Rhatigan (managing partner of RBK Accountants) and Simon Heaslip (Galway businessman and entrepreneur), are looking to develop Connacht rugby under the “Front up, Rise up,” slogan.
A primary concern is to give the supporters more value for money and one way is through a ticketing initiative whereby those who purchase season tickets, a free pint at every home game, a scarf, membership of the Connacht supporters club and two guest tickets for a game of their choice. Season ticket sales have increased tenfold from last season from 300 to 3,000.
They examined Leinster’s outreach programme and have instigated a similar initiative, holding a recent training session in Sligo with similar days planned for Castlebar and Athlone.
The redevelopment of the Sportsground – the board examined moving to another venues but acceded to the request of coach Eric Elwood and the players to remain in their spiritual home – is under way.
The board is undertaking a three-year initiative that they hope will see sustainable growth of the Connacht brand on and off the pitch; something that will be beneficial to both players and spectators.
