There are many reasons why we do badly in this but I've always felt a main one is the Eagles are a scratch side playing against guys who at the very least train with each other twice a week with games on a Saturday. Often, it's been literally Men against Boys

That is in all honesty a very easy group.

Rotherham were bottom of the English Championship last year and would have been relegated if London Welsh did not go bust, they do not have big budgets and have no huge squad. Richmond were everyone's favourite to go down as they were new to the Championship and are a mix of semi pro's or amateurs. They finished second from bottom. Ealing did well last year to make the top four for the playoff's but with Bristol and their money it will be a stroll in the park for them to get promoted, Ealing could concentrate on this competition as they have a chance of a trophy.

I would say that Ealing should win this group, but we should be doing well here as the other two teams will be weak and probably fighting relegation in England.

Depending on the shape of the squad by then, I might get in to the Richmond & Ealing games.
Rotherham is a trip too far in a busy season, if it was a full fixture I might have made the effort ...

connemara man wrote: I've been to a few they are odd games to watch TBH

I think they are important in terms of development as they are the only real competitive games that academy players have if they aren't used by the senior team. It's a good way to see how they play in the Connacht style.

Last season they were scheduled awfully against the European games so it was almost impossible to go to them if you were at the senior games.

Generally they wouldn't get big crowds but the extended squad seem to be expected to be there or go to support the squad anyway.

At least Buccaneers are in Division 1A this year so some of the lads will be playing at a decent level consistently.

connemara man wrote: I've been to a few they are odd games to watch TBH

I think they are important in terms of development as they are the only real competitive games that academy players have if they aren't used by the senior team. It's a good way to see how they play in the Connacht style.

Last season they were scheduled awfully against the European games so it was almost impossible to go to them if you were at the senior games.

Generally they wouldn't get big crowds but the extended squad seem to be expected to be there or go to support the squad anyway.

Yeah, I can definitely see the benefits for the development players.
I just wonder could it be done differently. If it's all about development, then you'd hope each team would get to play some more games.
Almost like tag rugby, wherever you finish in your group, you get pitted against similar teams in play-offs.
Oh well, gone on a tangent here. As you were.

I've been to a few they are odd games to watch TBH

I think they are important in terms of development as they are the only real competitive games that academy players have if they aren't used by the senior team. It's a good way to see how they play in the Connacht style.

Last season they were scheduled awfully against the European games so it was almost impossible to go to them if you were at the senior games.

Generally they wouldn't get big crowds but the extended squad seem to be expected to be there or go to support the squad anyway.

I've never really paid any attention to the B&I Cup, but we do seem to lose most matches.
Do people think it has been of any benefit to Connacht? And do many people actually care/go to these games?

I was half hoping to get Bristol. Thanks furlo

British & Irish Cup 2017/18 fixtures

Round 1 - 13-15 October 2017

Rotherham Titans v Connacht A
Ealing Trailfinders v Richmond


Round 2 - 20-22 October 2017

Connacht A v Ealing Trailfinders
Richmond v Rotherham Titans


Round 3 - 8-10 December 2017

Richmond v Connacht A
Rotherham Titans v Ealing Trailfinders

Round 4 - 15-17 December 2017

Connacht A v Richmond
Ealing Trailfinders v Rotherham Titans


Round 5 - 12-14 January 2018

Rotherham Titans v Richmond
Ealing Trailfinders v Connacht A

Round 6 - 29 January 2018

Connacht A v Rotherham Titans
Richmond v Ealing Trailfinders

Eagles to face Rotherham Titans, Richmond & Ealing Trailfinders in Pool 4 of the 2017-18 B&I Cup

Stolen from Ulster Website

BRITISH & IRISH CUP POOL DRAW
10 July 2017 12:05pm
By Richard Finlay
Johnny McPhillips
The draw for the 2017/18 British & Irish Cup has taken place and Ulster A, sponsored by CD Group, are in Pool 5 alongside Cornish Pirates, Hartpury College and Scarlets Premiership Select, as the competition enters its ninth year.

Exact dates, kick-off times and venues will be confirmed in due course.


BRITISH & IRISH CUP POOLS

// Pool 1
Bedford Blues
Munster A
Nottingham Rugby
Ospreys Premiership Select

// Pool 2
Bristol Rugby
Cardiff Blues Premiership Select
Doncaster Knights
Leinster A

// Pool 3
Dragons Premiership Select
London Scottish
Yorkshire Carnegie
Jersey Reds

// Pool 4
Connacht Eagles
Rotherham Titans
Richmond
Ealing Trailfinders

// Pool 5
Cornish Pirates
Hartpury College
Scarlets Premiership Select
Ulster A