Sneak peek at Connacht Rugby's new world-class facilities
Connacht Rugby has given local media a sneak peek at the world-class facilities at the revamped Dexcom Stadium in Galway city, writes Patrick Hennelly.
The High-Performance Centre (HPC) leads the way in rugby facilities in the country, containing an indoor 4G training pitch which is one of the largest indoor spaces in the west of Ireland.
The HPC serves as the home for day-to-day club operations, and contains dressing rooms, physiotherapy areas, two canteens and a kitchen, and offices space for management and administrative staff. There is also a gym and a lounge/games room area where players can relax after a hard day’s training.
The facility is designed to allow all teams, from professional to the various age grades, to train consistently and reach their full potential regardless of weather conditions.
The newly redeveloped Dexcom Stadium will see the new Clan Stand (6,555 capacity) officially open on January 24 for the URC match against Leinster. The total capacity of the redeveloped stadium will be 12,000.
Connacht centre and Galway native Hugh Gavin feels that the Connacht Rugby fanbase can develop even further with the new spectator facilities.
“We saw the amount of people from north Connaught who attended the URC match in MacHale Park last March against Munster, and they mightn't have travelled down to Galway as much. It was class to see over 26,000 attend the match that day,” he stated.
“There's definitely enough supporters in Connaught who really care about the team, care about the province and like to see what we're doing. So hopefully we'll be able to try and fill out the new stadium in January for those inter-pro games.”
The Irish international, who earned his first senior Ireland cap in the 2025 summer tour, said the lead-up to the game in Mayo GAA headquarters was really special.
“It was unbelievable. It's the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of. Just to see the green jerseys as our bus was driving towards the stadium filled you with a real sense of pride. Also, to see how much support we actually have around the province was amazing.”
Gavin was delighted to have been part of that historic game last March and said he would like to play in MacHale Park again with Connacht.
“It was a great experience. I know from speaking to some of our players from Mayo and Sligo that they knew people who were at that match in MacHale Park who had never been to a Connacht game before. When you get that many people going to an event like that, then it is definitely worth doing again. When the team was announced I was absolutely delighted to be in the starting 15.”
MIXED
Focusing on on-field matters, back-row Sean Jensen described Connacht's season so far as 'a bit mixed', and said that building momentum could be key.
“I guess it has been a bit of a frustrating season so far,” he continued. “We feel like we're a different team than last year, and we feel like we're almost there. But we just haven't put the performance in for the full 80 minutes.
“We played well against Munster and lost by just two points, and we hope to turn things around in our upcoming games.
“We've got a 10-game block now to put in some good performances and get results.”
It’s a fine line between winning and losing, and Jensen believes that it’s the little things in a game that can make all the difference.
“It's things such as our kicking game and trying to build a little momentum. We've talked a lot about the mental side of the game and that one percentage margin that can be the difference in games.”
Jensen is impressed with the excellent facilities which the Dexcom Stadium has.
“It just makes it easy coming in and doing that extra work when you're searching for it. The facilities we have are top class, as good as you get anywhere in the world, so it's easy to come here in the morning for training.
“We have everything under one roof now, such as an analyst room, sauna, ice baths, and a games room. The players are spending more time together and that helps build connections. Before, when players were finished training, there would be nothing to do. Now, players tend to stick around that bit longer and watch a game of rugby on the TV.
“The indoor pitch has also been a great help, especially when the weather is poor. Overall, these new facilities are awesome.”
Jensen is looking forward to the game against Leinster at the Dexcom Stadium on January 24, which will also mark the official opening of the new ‘Clan Stand’.
“There has always been an electric atmosphere in Galway for these big games and I suppose this new stadium is going to be magical with the new stand and new terraces, and I can’t wait for that game. The new stand and terraces will give the fans a proper experience and there is a lot to look forward to.”
Connacht's important 10-game block began with a good victory on Saturday at home to Sharks in the URC, and the New Zealander is hoping that they can start a winning streak now.
“It's just (about) getting performances. If we could get a couple wins in Europe then momentum comes, and we've got the Irish players back as well as the players who were involved with the Lions, and then all of a sudden we are on a roll.”
GAP
The gap in the URC is narrowing every season and Jensen said that despite some below par performances in the first block of games, that they now have a chance to turn their season around.
“It's going to be an exciting block, and I think as well, the European Challenge Cup is going to be a big push for us. I know last year we had a bit of a push for success in Europe before losing to Racing 92, but there's a lot to play for this season.”
Byron Ralston has received news that his season will be curtailed due to a significant knee injury. However, the Australian is looking on the positives and already has a recovery process mapped out.
“That news has been devastating and it is a frustrating process,” he stated. “I suppose, going forward, I will have to try and find ways to keep myself engaged within the team.
“I have surgery on December 5 so I will be preparing for that. After that there will be nine months of rehabbing, and I will find ways to learn about improving my game from team meetings and match analysis.”
The recovery process will be all the easier thanks to the excellent facilities at the HPC, and the former Western Force star said it is great to have everything under one roof.
“It is nothing like the old facilities and everything is under one roof here. It is a big plus to have the gym and physio room so close by. It makes the recovery process all the easier.
“It will be great to be able to come into training every day during my rehabilitation and to be around the team.”