THE Connacht Rugby Professional Games Board are midway through their first full season in existence and it’s hard to argue against the idea that they have made some significant progress in developing the interest and reach of the game in the region during that time.

Directly or indirectly, they have played a roll in transforming the Sportsground from a rickety old ground, plainly unsuitable for hosting a professional rugby side, into a place that has character, atmosphere, comfort and a genuine feel of a cauldron on the biggest nights – as we have seen against Leinster, Harlequins and Toulouse.

That is just one of many off-the-field initiatives they have helped drive forward, but the board is mainly involved in structural long term planning, it’s the day to day staff that get their hands dirty and, to that end, they have done an immense job in recent months with significantly fewer staff than any other professional rugby side.

Their efforts appear to have paid off as more help and expertise is on the way. The PGB announced this week that they have created a new role under the title Head of Marketing. Dublin native Alex Saul is the man tasked with job. Since 2008, Saul was Group Sponsorship and Branding Manager for the Welsh Rugby Union and leaves that job for the West of Ireland.

Saul’s task and the job of all involved in marketing the Connacht rugby team is clear, managing the inevitable drop off in season ticket sales for next season, one year on from the Heineken Cup frenzy that saw the province secure a a 660% increase in sales.

A potential return to the Challenge Cup and the reality of Connacht’s long losing streak will make the task more difficult, but it’s Saul correctly identified in the official press release that he has “a great base to work with” in terms of the current support and will be well aware from the outset that the success of rugby in Connacht will be determined by the numbers who renew their tickets in the coming seasons.

International Recognition
Connacht players have got a fair amount of attention in terms of International rugby over the past week or so. Loosehead prop Brett Wilkinson made it to the 32-man Six Nations squad having featured for the Eric Elwood coached Ireland A squad against England on the Friday night.

Four other players were involved with the Ireland A side that lost 23-17, namely starters Gavin Duffy, Mike McCarthy and John Muldoon along with second half replacement Ronan Loughney.

Mike Ruddock’s under 20 squad for their clash with Wales in Dubarry Park, Athlone on Friday has four of the Connacht Grand Slam winning side involved. Buccaneers duo Shane Layden (full back) and Daniel Qualter (second row) and Corinthians pair Kieran Marmion (scrum half) and Aaron Conneely (open side). Congrats also to Ruth O’Reilly for Galwegians for making the Irish women’s 22 for their clash with Wales in Ashbourne.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.