Connacht Rugby set to examine new home option

A study has been undertaken by Connacht Rugby to gauge the province’s long-term needs – including a potential new home for the club.

CEO Willie Ruane told city councillors during a presentation that a working group has been formed which will look at alternative venues, if long-term requirements show the need for it.

He had been asked to make a presentation in City Hall, after the local authority provided €20,000 in funding to the club in February.

He was praised by councillors for the economic impact which Connacht Rugby has on the city – around €13.2 million.

Mr Ruane explained there is a direct investment of around €9.4m in the likes of salaries (for 100 staff) and operational costs, while the visitor-related spend is €2.3m. There is an ancillary spend on pubs, restaurants, hotels etc of €1.25m, while visiting teams account for €250,000.

He said average attendances now stand at more than 5,600 – up 169% since 2011, and these are in the ABC1 demographic (high spending power).

There were 7,785 at the Pro12 game in the Sportsground against Munster, and gate attendances are up 40% overall on last year.

He said there has been 40 hours worth of live TV coverage in the past year, and there has been a 41% increase in the number of schools playing rugby in the region over the past two years, while the number of school matches has doubled.

Cllr Peter Keane (FF) said it was commendable that 100 staff are employed by Connacht and praised Mr Ruane for the ‘game day experience’ at the Sportsground.

However, he said he would love to see new grounds at the Docks, because he believes the team will continue to grow.

His party colleague Mike Crowe said the Council’s support for Connacht will never waiver.

“On the dark winter Friday and Saturday nights in October or November when there are no festivals on, Connacht Rugby are filling that gap,” he said.

Billy Cameron (Lab) said the potential for growth is huge, and the team brings an international flavour to the city – something the GAA cannot deliver.

“But you’re hampered by the Sportsground as your home. Is there anywhere on the outskirts or inner city that can be developed?” he asked.

Mr Ruane responded: “It’s something we are looking at right now. We have formed a new facilities working group to understand our needs and in terms of a stadium to ensure we fulfil our commercial ambitions and for fans for the match day experience.

“We will look at alternative venues if needs be; the Sportsground has the benefit of the city centre and a ‘walk-up’ crowd – that can be lost in an out-of-town stadium. There are alternatives that can be looked at.

“We’d like to think we can be contained in the Sportsground, but we’re looking at other facilities as well,” said Mr Ruane.