Connacht Rugby has lined up Irish company Future Ticketing as its official online ticket sales partner.
The province announced the deal ahead of the forthcoming season where it will compete in the Guinness Pro14 and European Challenge Cup tournaments.
The new deal means that fans can buy tickets for both competitions and the season via the Connacht Rugby website.
Brian Mahony, Connacht's head of commercial and marketing, predicted that Future Ticketing would bring a new standard of service.
“We look forward to working with Future Ticketing as it introduces new and exciting services over the coming years,” he said.
Liam Holton, Future Ticketing chief executive, pointed out that Connacht Rugby was one of Irish sport's recent success stories.
“At Future Ticketing, we are partnering with a growing number of Irish and international sports organisations,” he said.
“Our software solution delivers a modern digital platform that facilitates speed, flexibility and capacity for growing sports organisations and events.”
Future Ticketing supplies its ticket sales system to many League of Ireland soccer clubs, Gymnastics Ireland, a number of racecourses, and attractions such as the Book of Kells in Trinity College Dublin.
The company supplies its software direct to its clients rather than acting as an agent for them.
This gives businesses such as Connacht Rugby direct contact with their customers.
Leinster Rugby and BearingPoint
Meanwhile, European champions Leinster Rugby have hired consultancy BearingPoint as their innovation partner.
The management and technology consultant will aid Leinster in boosting their fan base in Ireland and overseas.
Eric Conway, partner and country leader with BearingPoint Ireland, noted that Leinster had scored an historic double last season, capturing the Guinness Pro14 and European Champions' Cup, the first side ever to do so.
“While achieving success is difficult, remaining at the top of your field is even more challenging,” he said, adding that “innovation” was crucial to success in any organisation.
Mick Dawson, Leinster Rugby chief executive, said the team was delighted to welcome BearingPoint as a sponsor.
