Connacht Chief Executive Gerry Kelly believes that the Irish province can look forward to an exciting Pool campaign in the European Challenge Cup
Connacht, who have played an unrivaled 77 European Challenge Cup games, have been draw in Pool 1 giving them their first competitive clash with London Irish as well meeting Dax or Albi for the first time.
It will be a case of winding back the clock for Connacht as travel to northern Italy to take on Rovigo having secured a 21-20 victory there ten years ago.
"We're pleased with the draw we received in this season's European Challenge Cup. It will be exciting. Having London Irish coming to Galway will be a great sporting occasion and we're very much looking forward to the challenge and to playing them in the Madjeski Stadium.
"It'll be our first time facing them in Europe but we have played them over the last few years in pre season friendlies and we've a very good working relationship with them," he said.
The Connacht CEO said it would be a step into the unknown against the French and Italians but he was hopeful they can make it to the quarter-finals.
"We would be confident of reaching the quarter-finals and now that we know who we're playing we can look forward to the games ahead," he added.
