Boyles weather warning for Union Bordeaux Begles

Boyles weather warning for Union Bordeaux Begles

Connacht Rugby back-row forward Paul Boyle has warned Union Bordeaux-Bègles to expect weather conditions they have never experienced before when they travel to The Sportsground for the Investec Champions Cup Pool 1 opener on Friday night.
The Galway ground is renowned for being inhospitable to visiting teams and Boyle is hoping that with the noisy home crowd behind them, Connacht Rugby can give the TOP 14 team a shock.

“They’re going to get something I'd say they’ve never experienced before,” said the 26-year-old, who can play across the back row.

“They’re in the small away dressing room, it’s windy and wet, and they go out onto the pitch across a dog track first – it won’t be something they’re used to. That’s what makes our home ground special.

“I feel our home crowd is a massive advantage for us too. We really try and use the crowd. We’ll be doing it that night and hopefully we’ll get the win.”

While Union Bordeaux-Bègles boast a massive star in France flyer Damian Penaud, the TOP 14’s leading try-scorer this season with seven in only four games, Boyle believes Connacht Rugby have their own big name in powerful Ireland centre Bundee Aki.  


“He’s a real leader within the group,” Boyle remarked. “I think the older he gets, the better he becomes. Those performances he put in at the World Cup were just ridiculous. The shape he got himself in was just phenomenal.  

“I’m really looking forward to having him back with the squad, carrying forward that form into Connacht Rugby. He’ll be a really important squad player for us in these Investec Champions Cup games.” 

The tie kicks off at 20:00 UK and Ireland time and can be seen on TNT Sports, beIN SPORTS, SuperSport and FloRugby. 

In this Article

Latest News