Connacht's MacHale Park switch still in 'discussion phase'

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins says it's an exciting prospect to bring his side to Mayo for their URC Interpro against Munster in March of next year, but discussions about the switch are still at an early stage.

The province are hoping to move their meeting with Munster on 29 March to Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar.

The GAA's Central Council approved the proposed fixture over the weekend, which will be a significant step towards making the fixture happen.

"Well, it’s still very much in the discussion phase," the Connacht head coach told RTÉ Sport.

"I think that announcement from the GAA was really to give the green light for the conversations to go ahead from their perspective."

Munster, Leinster and Ulster have all held games at GAA grounds in their province in the last two years, with Connacht looking to expand their reach further into their province.

With a redevelopment ongoing at Dexcom Stadium, they are limited to a capacity of just over 4,200 at the Sportsground this season, and are keen to generate a big crowd at McHale Park, which can hold 25,369 supporters.

"I'm not sure on a timeline for it, but certainly from our end, as I said previously, I think it's a really exciting prospect.

"Firstly, to play in a venue like that, but also secondly, to take the game to a different bit of the province and potentially get even more fans in there.

"So, we're really in favour of it, and we'll listen along with everyone else to see how those discussions pan out."

Connacht will be without their Ireland international contingent for this week’s EPCR Challenge Cup meeting with Zebre Parma in Galway on Saturday (8pm).

Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham and captain Cian Prendergast have all been given the weekend off