Rugby supporters in Mayo, the whole of Connacht and indeed the whole country, are looking forward to this:

This Saturday, Connacht and Munster will contest the first ever rugby match in the cathedral of Mayo GAA, MacHale Park Castlebar.

The United Rugby Championship clash is also hugely relevant for the overall table, as both teams are fighting for a top 8 finish to qualify for the playoffs. 

READ: 'We had to move cattle off the field' - Former Mayo rugby player on days past

Here is all you need to know ahead of this historic occasion:

When’s the game?

Kick-off is 14:30 at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

How will the two teams line up?

The Connacht management team will announce their squad on Friday at midday, the same goes for the Munster squad. It is expected that the Irish internationals on both teams will feature this weekend. 

State of play so far:

It was defeat to Ospreys in Swansea for Connacht last weekend, 43-40 the final result. Six tries and the narrow margin saw the men in green leave Wales with two bonus points. While sitting outside the top eight, Connacht are only four points off fifth place Cardiff and three off Munster in sixth.

Munster come to Mayo on the back to two defeats, Edinburgh at home in Cork and Glasgow in Scotstoun last weekend.

Local player:

Connacht hooker Dave Heffernan will earn his 214th cap for his province. The Ballina man has been a constant performer for many years and will start unless higher powers intervene. Heffernan himself stated in the build-up to the match: "It was always a dream to play in MacHale Park." Heffernan will come to Castlebar having only recently renewed his contract with Connacht Rugby for further two years. For young talent, prop Fiachna Barrett from Geesala, this occasion probably comes too early in his career. 

READ: Heffernan on his career: 'I thought the door had closed for me.'

Recent meetings in the URC:

2024/25: Munster 35-33 Connacht

2023/24: Munster 47-13 Connacht

2023/24: Connacht 22-9 Munster

Fun Fact:

The last seven meetings between the two provinces have been won by the home team.

Where to get tickets?

The match is sold out. 26,000 supporters are expected. 

How to get to Hastings Insurance MacHale Park?

Address: MacHale Park, 60 McHale Rd, Gorteendrunagh, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Eircode: F23 XD90

INFO: Important travel recommendations ahead of Connacht Rugby clash

CityLink have announced special bus services: Find out more here.

Where to watch:

TG4 and Premier Sport.

Match Officials:

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU 102nd), Assistant Referee: Andrew Cole (IRFU), Assistant Referee: Padraic Reidy (IRFU), TMO: Colin Stanley (IRFU)

Top Connacht try scorers this season:

8 Ben Murphy

5 Shamus Hurley-Langton and Paul Boyle

4 Cathal Forde, Chay Mullins, Dave Heffernan, David Hawkshaw and Dylan Tierney-Martin

WARM-UP EVENT

A Celebration of Rugby will take place at The Mall Castlebar on Friday, March 28. Between 11am-1pm.

FOR MORE: