JoeNa Connacht, Author at SportsNewsIreland

R360: Rugby’s Bold New Frontier or a Distraction Doomed to Fail?

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:50:08 +0000

R360: Rugby’s Bold New Frontier or a Distraction Doomed to Fail?

Talk of a rugby revolution is rarely far from the headlines, but for once, there’s substance behind the speculation. The proposed ‘R360’ franchise league—led by former England centre Mike Tindall—is no mere fantasy. It’s backed by serious investors, fronted by familiar names, and has reportedly begun the franchise bidding process. For the first time in a long time, rugby is flirting with disruption on the scale of LIV Golf or cricket’s IPL. Framed as a response to rugby’s bloated calendar and struggling domestic leagues, R360 promises something radically different: 16 weekends of elite, city-hopping, spectacle-driven rugby featuring eight men’s teams and four women’s sides (initially). Franchises would travel to global hubs like New York, São Paulo, Los Angeles—and yes, even Croke Park is being eyed.

The Money Talks

Reports of £1 million annual salaries for 40 marquee names have understandably caused a stir. The IRFU is watching closely—very closely. No Irish player has signed up yet, but in a sport where the salary ceiling is notoriously low and central contracts are sacred, it’s easy to imagine the allure. If nothing else, it puts pressure on unions to explain why they’re asking top players to grind through a never-ending season for a fraction of the proposed payday.

Could It Work?

R360’s biggest challenge isn’t logistics or funding—it’s culture. The rugby public isn’t like golf or cricket. We buy into stories, rivalries, provinces, flags. There’s tribalism, heritage, and bitter history baked into every Leinster v Munster clash, every Toulouse epic in the Champions Cup. That doesn’t disappear just because a made-up team of world stars plays a glitzy fixture at a neutral venue. Would Irish fans fill Croke Park for a weekend of fixtures between unknown franchises featuring cherry-picked global talent and a few homegrown heroes? Possibly once. But can it build a connection, a legacy, a real fanbase? That’s a harder sell.

What It Means for Irish Rugby

If the R360 does take off, it could pull apart the delicate balance that underpins Irish rugby. Players will be tempted. Some will leave. That’s the reality. The question then becomes: should the IRFU resist or embrace it? Could top Irish players participate in R360 and still line out in green, given that the league will supposedly respect World Rugby’s release windows? Would that free up central contract funds for broader development? Or would it gut the URC and Champions Cup, leaving the provinces to wither without their marquee men? These are uncomfortable questions, but ones that can no longer be ignored. The club game is already under pressure—from South African expansion, from dwindling attendances, from a public unsure when one season ends and another begins. As flawed as it may be, the current model gives Irish rugby identity and stability. A breakaway league risks turning that into chaos.

Winds of Change

We are still in the brochure stage, yes. But the names involved—Tindall, Stuart Hooper, people with IPL and LIV credentials—are not messing around. With NFL and Formula 1 money sniffing around the project, the R360 might just be rugby’s most serious attempt at global disruption to date. It may fizzle. Or it may force everyone—unions, clubs, broadcasters—to rethink the model. Either way, Irish rugby cannot afford to be caught flat-footed. The URC is holding up, just about, but the cracks are showing. What happens next could define the next generation of the sport.

Would you support a new global franchise league in rugby? Let us know in the comments below.

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Ireland Summer Tour Squad 2025 – Provincial Breakdown

JoeNa Connacht — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:12:46 +0000

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Ireland Summer Tour Squad 2025 – Provincial Breakdown

Andy Farrell has named a youthful and dynamic 32-man squad for Ireland’s Summer Tour to Georgia and Portugal, with a strong Leinster and Munster influence and a number of uncapped talents set to get their first taste of international rugby. Here’s a full breakdown by province:

Munster (12 players)

Forwards: Tom Ahern (Shannon)*, Gavin Coombes (Young Munster) (2), Alex Kendellen (UCC)*, Michael Milne (UCD)* Backs: Craig Casey (Shannon) (18, Captain), Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution) (24), Calvin Nash (Young Munster) (10)

Leinster (14 players)

Forwards: Ryan Baird (Dublin University) (27), Jack Boyle (UCD) (2), Thomas Clarkson (Dublin University) (6), Max Deegan (Lansdowne) (2), Gus McCarthy (UCD) (4), Paddy McCarthy (Dublin University)*, Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley)*, Michael Milne (UCD)* Backs: Ciaran Frawley (UCD) (8), Jimmy O’Brien (Naas) (8), Tommy O’Brien (UCD)*, Jamie Osborne (Naas) (7), Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne) (8)

Connacht (6 players)

Forwards: Finlay Bealham (Corinthians) (51), Darragh Murray (Buccaneers)*, Cian Prendergast (UCD) (4) Backs: Shayne Bolton*, Hugh Gavin (Galwegians)*, Ben Murphy (Clontarf)*

Ulster (8 players + 3 panellists)

Forwards: Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch) (1), Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch) (16), Tom Stewart (Ballynahinch) (2), Nick Timoney (Banbridge) (3) Backs: Nathan Doak (Banbridge)*, Stuart McCloskey (Bangor) (19), Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan) (38) Training Panellists: James McNabney (City of Armagh)*, Jude Postlethwaite (City of Armagh)*, Zac Ward (Ballynahinch)*

Tour Fixtures

Saturday, 5th July: Georgia v Ireland, Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi (9pm local / 6pm Irish time)
Saturday, 12th July: Portugal v Ireland, Estádio Nacional do Jamor, Lisbon (7pm local / Irish time)

Tickets are available from the respective rugby unions of Georgia and Portugal.

*Uncapped players are marked with an asterisk. Squad subject to change.

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Stuart Lancaster Appointed Connacht Head Coach in Biggest Signing in Club’s History

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:55:34 +0000

Stuart Lancaster Appointed Connacht Head Coach in Biggest Signing in Club’s History

— A New Era Dawns as Lancaster Also Takes Over Defence Portfolio

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have pulled off a seismic coaching coup with the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as Head Coach of Connacht Rugby on a two-year deal. The move, which sees Lancaster replace Pete Wilkins, is being heralded as the biggest signing in Connacht’s history — and a genuine statement of ambition from both the province and Irish Rugby’s governing body.

The former England boss and Leinster architect arrives in Galway with a glowing résumé, having most recently led Racing 92 in France following a transformational seven-year stint with Leinster. There, he played a pivotal role in four consecutive PRO14 titles and four Champions Cup finals, including the 2018 triumph.

He also takes over as the province’s new defence coach, completing a refreshed and highly experienced coaching ticket for the 2025/26 season.

Speaking about the appointment, Lancaster said:

“I’m hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland with my wife Nina. Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field, so I’m honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Professional Men’s team programme.”

“I’m a firm believer in creating an environment that enables players to thrive and realise their potential, while playing a brand of rugby that inspires the community of which they represent. Ever since my initial conversations with Willie, David and the rest of the selection committee, it’s clear that same belief exists here in Connacht, and that’s why I’m so excited by this opportunity.”

“There’s also the fantastic new facilities here at the new High-Performance Centre and Dexcom Stadium, which will further enable us to realise those goals. I’m looking forward to working closely with all of the staff and players, and I can’t wait to get to know the supporters and wider community over the coming weeks and months.”

Lancaster’s appointment completes Connacht’s coaching ticket for the new campaign, with Rod Seib (attack), Colm Tucker (scrum & contact), and John Muldoon (lineout & maul) also on board, as well as Billy Millard recently named as General Manager of Performance.

Connacht CEO Willie Ruane commented:

“Stuart is one of the most respected coaches in world rugby and we are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre. He has a proven track record in developing young talent, building a high-performance environment, and most importantly, delivering success and helping teams realise their ambitions.”

“His coaching philosophy and his vision for how the game should be played, perfectly matches our own values and our own ambition. The coming year promises to be among the most historic in the club’s history, as we mark our 140th anniversary and the completion of the Dexcom Stadium redevelopment.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added:

“Stuart is a hugely talented coach with a proven track record in developing young talent and in delivering high performing and successful teams. It was clear in the recruitment process of his knowledge and enthusiasm for Irish Rugby and this appointment will be a huge boost to the game in Ireland.”

“With plans accelerating off the pitch around their new facilities it is a significant coup and a real statement of intent for Connacht Rugby.”

Pre-season begins in July, with Lancaster set to be formally introduced to the media and fans next month. For Connacht supporters, hope is rising fast — the players are there, the facilities are ready, and now the province has landed a coach of the highest calibre.

Let’s hope he brings the mindset and structure to truly change the environment around Connacht Rugby. It’s a new chapter — and the most exciting one yet.

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GAA Football Championship Betting Preview – Saturday & Sunday , May 31st & 1st of June

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 30 May 2025 19:02:02 +0000

GAA Football Championship Betting Preview – Saturday & Sunday , May 31st & 1st of June

Power Price Insights | Match Predictions | Expert Analysis

This Saturday sees a full slate of All-Ireland Senior Football Championship clashes with massive implications. From Cork’s uphill task against Kerry to a toss-up between Roscommon and Meath, we’ve got the latest Power Prices and predictions covered.

Cork v Kerry – Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4:45 PM

Odds: Cork 7/1 | Draw 11/1 | Kerry 1/8

Tradition meets reality in this Munster derby, where Kerry are overwhelming favourites. With David Clifford and Seán O’Shea in the lineup, they should have too much for a rebuilding Cork side. Expect dominance from the Kingdom.

Best Bet: Kerry -6 handicap
Correct Score: Kerry 2-17 Cork 0-11

Down v Louth – Páirc Esler, 5:30 PM

Odds: Down 8/13 | Draw 15/2 | Louth 17/10

This is a closer contest than it appears. Down’s Odhrán Murdock and Danny Magill provide a strong platform at home, while Louth will need a huge showing from Sam Mulroy to stay in the hunt.

Best Bet: Down to win & Both Teams to Score
Score Prediction: Down 1-14 Louth 1-12

Roscommon v Meath – Dr Hyde Park, 6:00 PM

Odds: Roscommon 10/11 | Draw 7/1 | Meath 6/5

A genuine 50-50. Enda Smith and Daire Cregg will lead the way for Roscommon, while Jordan Morris remains Meath’s ace card. Expect a tight, tactical battle.

Best Bet: Roscommon to win by 1–3 points
Prediction: Roscommon 0-16 Meath 1-12

Tyrone v Mayo – Healy Park, 7:00 PM

Odds: Tyrone 3/10 | Draw 10/1 | Mayo 16/5

The bookmakers are confident in Tyrone, and so are we. Daragh Canavan and McCurry offer too much firepower for a Mayo side that lacks scoring fluency. Unless Ryan O’Donoghue has a standout performance, Tyrone should win comfortably.

Best Bet: Tyrone -4 handicap
Prediction: Tyrone 2-13 Mayo 0-11

Sunday GAA All-Ireland Football Championship Betting Preview

June 1st, 2025 – Power Prices & Predictions

Derry v Galway

–

Celtic Park, 2:00 PM

Odds:

Derry: 13/5
Draw: 7/1
Galway: 2/5

Preview:

Galway are firm favourites, but this is no gimme. Derry’s defensive shape and counter-attack — led by Shane McGuigan and Conor Glass — could cause trouble. Still, Galway’s wealth of attacking options in Walsh, Tierney, and Finnerty makes them hard to stop.

Betting Tip: Galway to win by 1–5 points

Prediction: Galway 1-15 Derry 0-13

Dublin v Armagh

–

Croke Park, 4:00 PM

Odds:

Dublin: 11/10
Draw: 13/2
Armagh: EVS (even money)

Preview:

A real blockbuster. Dublin are slight underdogs despite their Croker pedigree — perhaps a nod to Armagh’s unbeaten 2025 form. If Rian O’Neill and Murnin fire, the Orchard men can win. But Dublin still have Ciarán Kilkenny, Costello, and Cluxton to steady the ship.

Tip: Armagh draw no bet at EVS looks smart

Prediction: Armagh 0-17 Dublin 1-13

Updated 6-Fold Power Price Accumulator:

Kerry

Down

Roscommon

Tyrone

Galway

Armagh (Draw No Bet)

Approx return: ~14/1

*Odds subject to change. Always gamble responsibly. For help visit GambleAware.ie

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URC Quarter-Final Betting Preview: Leinster to Run Riot, Sharks to Sink Munster

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 30 May 2025 18:49:02 +0000

URC Quarter-Final Betting Preview: Leinster to Run Riot, Sharks to Sink Munster

Saturday, June 1st will be a day of high stakes and even higher expectations as Leinster host Scarlets in Dublin and Munster travel to Durban to face the Sharks. With the bookies showing contrasting predictions for both Irish provinces, it’s set to be a dramatic day in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Leinster v Scarlets – Aviva Stadium, 3:00pm

Leinster are heavy favourites with a -25 handicap reflecting the gulf in class. With Jimmy O’Brien earning his 100th cap, Sam Prendergast pulling the strings at 10, and a devastating backline behind him, Leo Cullen’s side is expected to cruise. Scarlets, who’ve had a poor campaign, will need a miracle to keep this close. Expect a dominant display from the Dubliners. Betting Tip: Leinster -25 @ 10/11 & Over 51.5 points @ 20/23. Prediction: Leinster by 35+. This could get ugly.

Sharks v Munster – Kings Park, 5:30pm (Irish time)

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2025/26 Irish Rugby Transfers – Full List of Ins and Outs Across All Four Provinces

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 22 May 2025 07:57:34 +0000

2025/26 Irish Rugby Transfers – Full List of Ins and Outs Across All Four Provinces

Author: Joe Naughton
Published: May 2025

Introduction: Changing of the Guard in Irish Rugby

The 2025/26 season is ushering in a major transitional period for Irish provincial rugby. Between high-profile retirements, international signings, and academy reshuffles, the four provinces — Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht — have collectively experienced 43 player departures and welcomed just 10 new arrivals.

This shift highlights a focus on leaner squads, internal player development, and the end of an era for several Irish legends. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, followed by the full list of confirmed transfers.

Transfer Stats at a Glance:

Total players in: 10
Total players out: 43
Mid-season exits: 10
Retirements: 7
International signings: 4
Fly-halves lost: 4 (Byrne, Burns, Hanrahan, Morgan)
Most departures: Ulster (17)
Fewest departures: Connacht (7)

Notable New Signings:

Rieko Ioane – Leinster
Angus Bell – Ulster
Juarno Augustus – Ulster
Sam Gilbert – Connacht

Notable Retirements:

Cian Healy – Leinster
Peter O’Mahony – Munster
Dave Kilcoyne – Munster
Stephen Archer – Munster
Andy Warwick – Ulster
Marty Moore – Ulster
Reuben Crothers – Ulster

Munster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (from Connacht)
Dan Kelly – Centre, 24 (from Leicester, ENG)
Conor Ryan – Lock, 21 (from UCC)
Andrew Smith – Winger 24 (from Connacht)

Players Out:

Stephen Archer – Prop, 37 – Retired
Dave Kilcoyne – Prop, 36 – Retired
Peter O’Mahony – Back row, 35 – Retired
Jack Daly – Back row, 26
Cian Hurley – Back row, 25
Conor Murray – Scrum-half, 36
Billy Burns – Fly-half, 31
Liam Coombes – Winger, 28
Patrick Campbell – Fullback, 22
Dian Bleuler – Prop, 25 (returned to Sharks, RSA)
Eoghan Clarke – Hooker, 27 (to Saracens)
Scott Buckley – Hooker, 25 (loan to Ealing Trailfinders)
Bryan Fitzgerald – Centre, 26

Leinster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

Rieko Ioane – Centre, 28 (from Blues, NZL)

Players Out:

Cian Healy – Prop, 37 – Retired
Ross Byrne – Fly-half, 30 (to Gloucester)
Jordie Barrett – Centre, 28 (returned to Hurricanes)
Rob Russell – Winger, 26
Liam Turner – Winger, 25
Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (to Ulster)
Ben Brownlee – Centre, 22
Aitzol King – Winger, 23
Michael Milne – Prop, 25 (loan to Munster)
Lee Barron – Hooker, 24 (to Munster)

Ulster Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

Sam Crean – Prop, 25 (from Saracens)
Angus Bell – Prop, 24 (from Waratahs)
Juarno Augustus – Back row, 27 (from Northampton)
Rory McGuire – Prop, 22 (from Leinster)

Players Out:

Andy Warwick – Prop, 34
Corrie Barrett – Prop, 27
Alan O’Connor – Lock, 32
Kieran Treadwell – Lock, 29 (to Harlequins)
Matty Rea – Back row, 31
Reuben Crothers – Back row, 23 – Retired
John Cooney – Scrum-half, 35 (to Brive)
Michael McDonald – Scrum-half, 26
Aidan Morgan – Fly-half, 24
Jack Boal – Prop, 22
Cameron Doak – Prop, 18
Zac Solomon – Hooker, 21
Ben McFarlane – Winger, 20
Rory Telfer – Fullback, 21
Marty Moore – Prop, 34 – Retired
Tadgh McElroy – Hooker, 28 (to Sale)
Aaron Sexton – Winger, 24

Connacht Transfers – 2025/26

Players In:

Sam Gilbert – Winger, 26 (from Highlanders)

Players Out:

Conor Oliver – Back row, 29
JJ Hanrahan – Fly-half, 32 (to Munster)
Piers O’Conor – Centre, 29 (to Edinburgh)
Santiago Cordero – Winger, 31
Adam McBurney – Hooker, 28 (to Dinamo Bucharest)
John Porch – Winger, 31 (to Vannes)
Andrew Smith – Winger, 24 (loan to Munster)

Conclusion

With some of Ireland’s most iconic players hanging up their boots, and key internationals either joining or leaving, the 2025/26 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Ulster lead the clearout, while Munster and Leinster lose long-time leaders. Will academy graduates step up, or will recruitment spike again in 2026?

Stay tuned to SportsNewsIreland.com for further updates, pre-season previews, and exclusive player interviews.

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List of live GAA matches on Sky Sports, TG4, GAA+ & RTE

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 22 May 2025 05:02:16 +0000

We have the list of live GAA matches that will be broadcast live on Online, GAAGO, Clubber, Sky Sports & RTE, here are the fixtures Hurling and Gaelic Football league and championships.

CLICK FOR LIVE GAA SCORES

CLICK FOR GAA LEAGUE TABLE

CLICK FOR List of live sports on RTE, Virgin & BBC

This Week on TV:

Friday 23 May

Munster MFC Final: Kerry v Cork – 7:30pm, Tralee – TG4

Saturday 24 May

All-Ireland SFC R1:
- Donegal v Tyrone – 7:00pm, Ballybofey – GAA+
- Louth v Monaghan – 4:45pm, Newbridge – GAA+
Leinster MHC Final: Kilkenny v Galway – 5:15pm, O’Moore Park – TG4

Sunday 25 May

Leinster SHC R5:
- Dublin v Galway – 2:00pm, Parnell Park – RTÉ
- Offaly v Antrim – 2:00pm, Tullamore – GAA+
Munster SHC R5:
- Cork v Waterford – 4:00pm, Páirc Uí Chaoimh – RTÉ
Ladies Football Finals (YouTube):
- Kerry v Waterford – 2:30pm, Mallow – TG4 YouTube
- Mayo v Galway – 1:00pm, MacHale Park – TG4 YouTube
Ulster MFC Final: Cavan v Tyrone – 5:15pm, Brewster Park – TG4

Coming Up:

Wednesday 28 May

All-Ireland U20FC Final: Louth v Tyrone – 7:30pm, Armagh – TG4

Saturday 31 May

All-Ireland SFC R2:
- Tyrone v Mayo – 7:00pm, Omagh – GAA+
- Cork v Kerry – 4:45pm, Páirc Uí Chaoimh – GAA+
Christy Ring Final: Derry v London – 5:00pm, Croke Park – TG4 YouTube
Lory Meagher Final: Cavan v Monaghan/New York – 3:00pm, Croke Park – TG4 YouTube
Nickey Rackard Final: Mayo v Roscommon – 1:00pm, Croke Park – TG4 YouTube

Sunday 1 June

All-Ireland SFC R2:
- Dublin v Armagh – 4:00pm, Croke Park – RTÉ
- Derry v Galway – 2:00pm, Celtic Park – GAA+
Tailteann Cup R3:
- Fermanagh v Wexford – 1:45pm, Croke Park – GAA+

Tweets by officialgaa

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NFL Announces 2025 International Games Ticket Sale Dates for Europe

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 20 May 2025 07:48:57 +0000

NFL Announces 2025 International Games Ticket Sale Dates for Europe

The National Football League (NFL) has revealed ticket release dates for the 2025 NFL International Games in Europe. Fans in Dublin, London, Berlin and Madrid will soon have the chance to purchase tickets to witness live NFL action on European soil. General admission tickets for these NFL 2025 European fixtures will go on sale between May and July. These highly anticipated matchups feature elite teams including the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, and more.

2025 NFL Europe Schedule & Ticket Release Dates

Date	Matchup	Location	Tickets On Sale
September 28	Minnesota Vikings vs. Pittsburgh Steelers	Croke Park, Dublin, Ireland	June 17
October 5	Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, U.K.	May 29
October 12	Denver Broncos vs. New York Jets	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, U.K.	May 29
October 19	Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars	Wembley Stadium, London, U.K.	May 30
November 9	Atlanta Falcons vs. Indianapolis Colts	Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany	June 5
November 16	Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins	Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain	July 8

Where to Buy NFL 2025 International Tickets

Fans must create or log into an NFL ticket account before purchasing tickets. General admission tickets will be available via the NFL’s official website.

Stay Updated on NFL 2025 Ticket Releases

Bonus Game in São Paulo, Brazil

The 2025 International Series kicks off in São PauloSeptember 5 with the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers at Corinthians Arena. For more details and ticket access, visit nfl.com/saopaulo.

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Final Thoughts on Connacht’s 2024/25 Season – and Looking Ahead

JoeNa Connacht — Tue, 20 May 2025 07:11:47 +0000

Final Thoughts on Connacht’s 2024/25 Season – and Looking Ahead

There’s a lot changing at Connacht — and not all of it is on the pitch. The brand-new, world-class stand at the Sportsground is a genuine game-changer, a sign that the province is thinking bigger and building for the long term. There’s also a fresh coaching ticket incoming, a new General Manager of Performance behind the scenes, and a wave of exciting young talent rising through the ranks.

On the field, though, 2024/25 was a tough watch at times.

Losing all six interpros — including a gut-wrenching home defeat to Ulster — was hard to swallow, and the season never quite found consistency. Realistically, our only win over a full-strength side came in the Challenge Cup last 16 against Cardiff. The league form was patchy at best, and we struggled to put points on the board against stronger sides.

Connacht averaged 23 points per game, placing around 11th in the URC for scoring. Defensively, we leaked an average of 25 — likely the third worst in the competition. That combination left us on the wrong side of too many scorelines.

Worryingly, the Sportsground was no fortress. Just four home wins from nine (against Sharks, Cardiff, Benetton and Dragons), while the only away victories came against Zebre and Scarlets. Six wins from 18 in the URC doesn’t meet the standard this squad should be aiming for.

But not everything was bleak.

The Challenge Cup run was a real highlight. Five wins and a thrilling, high-scoring battle with Racing at home showed what this team is capable of. It wasn’t just the results — it was the way Connacht played in that competition: ambitious, energised, and entertaining.

There were also individual standouts. Ben Murphy was a revelation. Sean Jansen and Paul Boyle brought consistent power. Peter Dooley anchored the scrum. Shayne Bolton keeps going from strength to strength, while Finn Tracey made a strong impression. And then there’s SHL — a real leader, and arguably the standout player of the season. Coming back from injury inside five weeks was a testament to his character.

Looking ahead, recruitment has been low-key — with only Sam Gilbert arriving so far — and finances remain tight. That’s likely why Rob Seib, originally set for a backs coach role, is now the favourite to take the head coach position too. There were whispers of interest from Dan McFarland and Stuart Lancaster, but nothing materialised. If Seib does step up, a top-class defence coach beside him will be vital.

The bones of a strong season are there. With a new stand, new structures, new energy — and a core of talented, committed players — there’s reason to believe. A top-eight URC finish and a Challenge Cup semi-final run are realistic targets if things click.

There’s work to do, but the future isn’t bleak — it’s just waiting to be built. Roll on 2025/26.

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Premier League Summer Transfer Window: 10 Big Moves on the Horizon

JoeNa Connacht — Mon, 12 May 2025 10:14:53 +0000

The current Premier League season is drawing to a slow conclusion with Liverpool already crowned champions and the relegation positions settled.

The race for European places is highly competitive, but for all the clubs competing in arguably the best league in the world next season, including Leeds United and Burnley who have bounced back after their respective relegations in 2023 and 2024, work on the summer transfer window will have already begun.

Teams will be looking to add further quality, raise funds, or trim down squads and a flurry of transfer activity is expected between now and the closing of the window on Monday 1st September. With every position across the pitch of vital importance, here is how each area of the pitch could be affected throughout the summer transfer window.

https://picryl.com/media/gfv-wnvq-wuaap-93-s-a14fe4

Goalkeepers

The future of Andre Onana has been seriously called into question after a catalogue of errors, most recently in the 2-2 draw away at Lyon in the Europa League. Luckily, the mistakes did not cost his club as Manchester United pulled off one of the comebacks of the ages to progress in extra time at Old Trafford. United have been linked with a series of goalkeepers including James Trafford (Burnley), Joan Garcia (Espanyol), and Lucas Chevalier (Lille) as they look to fix the last line of defence, while Onana has been interesting a handful of clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Defenders

While goalkeepers can win points on their own, a quality defensive line in front of them can provide a strong foundation for any team. A lot of movement is expected in the Premier League as teams look to bolster their back lines. For Bournemouth, the south coast side could be set to lose two of their most prized assets. Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez have both been linked with moves to Liverpool, with Huijsen even attracting admirers from Real Madrid.

While the loss of the Spaniard and Hungarian would be a huge blow, Bournemouth would pocket substantial profits from the pair for their own summer transfer window war chest. Elsewhere around the country, Chelsea is expected to continue splashing the cash and have been heavily linked with a bid for former defender Marc Guéhi, who has shone as the leader of Crystal Palace in yet another solid season for the south London club.

Enzo Maresca’s will want to feature further up the Premier League table next season to have something to show for all the money spent over the last few years since the Todd Boehly-led consortium started flexing its financial muscles. And many within the corridors of Stamford Bridge believe Guéhi could be vital to this success. However, Newcastle United will also be monitoring this story closely.

Midfielders

One of the transfer sagas that dates all the way back to last summer surrounds the future of 2024 UEFA European Championship winner, Martin Zubimendi. A protracted move to Liverpool did not materialize in the summer of 2024, and it is Arsenal who have stolen a march on the Spaniard, who replaced Rodri at half time in the Euro 2024 final win against England. Arsenal’s attempts could however be thwarted by Real Madrid if Los Blancos decide to appoint Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement.

The Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager is said to be a big fan of his fellow countryman and would see him as an ideal fit to anchor the Real midfield. But while Zubimendi initially got away from Liverpool, a midfielder Arne Slot is reportedly looking to add to his championship-winning team is VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller. The former TSG Hoffenheim midfielder has impressed as a playmaker in Sebastian Hoeneß’ side and also picked up valuable Champions League experience this season with the German side.

With Liverpool remaining injury-free over the course of the season, unlike their title rivals, Arsenal and Manchester City, adding depth in quality will be Slot’s priority as the Dutchman looks to win back-to-back Premier League trophies.

Strikers

From the bottom of the pitch, we arrive at the sharp end of it and there are a host of hitmen that could be causing Premier League defences havoc next season. The form of Bryan Mbeumo this season at Brentford has not gone unnoticed and many believe the Cameroonian has reached the end of the road with Thomas Frank’s team. At the age of 25, Mbeumo still has his best years in front of him, something that has not been ignored by the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

Manchester United especially are in dire need of a centre forward, with Ruben Amorim far from satisfied with the end product of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee. You can check today’s sports news and tips at MegaTipsList to find the long list of strikers United are linked with. They include Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), the aforementioned Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton Wanderers), but top of Amorim’s wish list would be Viktor Gyökeres, a striker who continues to plunder goals for fun at Amorim’s former club Sporting Lisbon.

The Swede has also interested Arsenal, who have been in desperate need of a natural number 9 for seasons. Alongside Alexander Isak and Benjamin Šeško, Gyökeres remains a key target as The Gunners look to find the final piece of the jigsaw to finally win the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.

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