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JJ Hanrahan only Connacht player on injury list

Connacht Rugby Squad Update Ahead of BKT Season

The Connacht Rugby management team has issued a positive squad update ahead of the 2024/25 BKT United Rugby Championship season. Out-half **JJ Hanrahan** (knee) is the only player ruled out for Saturday’s interprovincial clash with **Munster Rugby**, as he recovers from ACL surgery. Hanrahan is on track to return in early 2025.

The rest of Connacht’s **43 Pro players**, along with integrated Academy talent, are in full training at **Dexcom Stadium** after a series of pre-season friendlies against **Sale Sharks**, **Glasgow Warriors**, and **Bristol Bears**.

Following the Munster game, Connacht will face the **Sharks** on Saturday, 28th September, in their first home fixture of the season. Limited tickets are available at **connachtrugby.ie**.

For rugby fans, stay tuned for the latest updates from Connacht Rugby as they kick off their #URC campaign.

Betting On The Premier League: Bet Types

Undoubtedly one of the most popular entertainment sports in the world, the English Premier League has attracted scores of supporters all over the world! But it’s not just a spectator sport.

No, the premier league also allows its supporters to get a piece of all the action by placing bets. If you have experience in the betting world, the chances are that you’ll be pretty familiar with how betting works in the premier league. If not, then this article will get you up to speed.

What is the English Premier League?

Nowadays, the English Premier League would probably fall within the top 10 sporting conversations people have without a doubt. But it wasn’t always so popular. In the 20th century, English soccer was actually on the decline until the 1990s.

In 1988, the Football League was founded in England, which was considered the best league England ever had. However, not every team thought so. Some felt that they weren’t awarded the agreements they needed. This led the to forming the English Premier Leagure in 1992. 22 of the top soccer teams from the original league broke away to compete in the EPL, giving the league all it needed to sign for its own license and become a fully established soccer league in England.

Understanding the English Premier League games 

Before you place a wager, you need to understand the fundamentals of the EPL. Currently, 20 teams compete in the league on a round-robin system that ensures every team has a game against one another. Generally, teams will get to play one or two games against each opponent away and at their own stadium, allowing both teams to have the benefit of a home-court advantage.

In the season, teams win by accumulating points throughout the season, with the champion being the team with the most points after the final. If a team wins, they’ll receive 3 points; if they draw, they’ll get one point, and they’ll get no points if they lose. The goal of each game is for each team to get the ball past their opponent’s goals on the opposite side to them. Each goal counts as one point, and the team that wins. If there’s a tie, the team would have to go to play-offs where they’d either have extra time or go into penalty shootouts.

Bet types in the Premier League

If you’re an eager punter and football fan, even if you’re relatively new, it only makes sense to start betting on football games in the EPL, right? Now that we know how the EPL works, we can move on to how you can get more involved in the betting side of things. One of the key factors you need to consider is what type of bet you’re placing.

Different types of bets in the EPL

Here are the different types of bets you can make in the EPL:

  • 1X2 bet – a bet where you’ll predict that the home team or the away team will win or if the match will result in a draw
  • Double chance – a bet with a greater chance of winning compared to the 1X2 bet because it covers a win or draw for the home team, the away team, or both. However, if there’s a draw in the third wager, you lose
  • Draw no bet – for this type of bet, you can wager on whether the home team or the away team will win, and should the result be a draw, it is considered a “no bet”, and your stakes will be returned in full
  • Handicap – this type of wager occurs when one team is clearly stronger than the other in order to make betting more exciting. Each team will be assigned a handicap, with the stronger team starting behind in goals. In order to win this bet, the stronger team needs to have a higher score than their handicap, and if betting on the weaker team, they need to win the match or lose by less than their handicap
  • Over/Under – for this bet, the sportsbook sets an overvalue and an undervalue, and punters will wager on whether they think the score will be above the sportsbook setting or below it
  • Both teams to score – this bet’s name speaks for itself because you will bet on both teams making it onto the scoreboard
  • Parlay bet – this type of bet allows punters to place wagers on different outcomes of the match to increase their chances of winning. So, you’re able to place two or more selections on the same match

Who are the strongest teams in the EPL?

The EPL might have 20 teams, but they aren’t all equal in strength. Generally, there are a few teams that

Not all teams are created equal in the EPL, and some squads regularly dominate the scoreboard. In the last decade, what is more commonly known as “The Big Six” has emerged. These are the six teams that most regularly produce the best results and are considered the most successful in the league overall. These are the teams you should keep an eye on when you’re reading soccer betting odds.

  • Arsenal
  • Chelsea
  • Liverpool
  • Manchester City
  • Manchester United
  • Tottenham Hotspur

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve finished the EPL betting crash course, are you ready to make your first bet? These are just the very basics, but we highly recommend staying up to date on the latest tips on the Premier League to increase your chances of winning!

Munster Squad Update – Jean Kleyn fit for Connacht game

Munster Squad Update Ahead of BKT URC Opener Against Connacht

As Munster Rugby prepares for their highly anticipated BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) season opener against Connacht at Thomond Park this Saturday, September 16th, the squad is training intensively at the High-Performance Centre (HPC). The match kicks off at 5:30 pm, and tickets are still available for purchase.

Injury Updates: Key Players Return to Training

In a major boost for the team, Jean Kleyn (eye) and Ethan Coughlan (leg) have returned to full training. Kleyn, who missed the majority of last season, is back in action, while Coughlan has recovered from a recent leg injury sustained against Bath. Their return is crucial as Munster looks to start the URC season on a strong note.

Liam Coombes and Jack Daly are also nearing a full return to training, pending the completion of return-to-play protocols. Both players suffered head injuries during a pre-season match against Gloucester earlier this month and are progressing well.

Further Injury News

Veteran prop Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder) is increasing his training load as he aims to rejoin full team training soon. Meanwhile, Diarmuid Kilgallen will enter a rehabilitation period to recover from a leg injury, and several other players continue to work their way back from long-term injuries.

Players Currently Rehabbing:

  • Brian Gleeson (shoulder)
  • Cian Hurley (knee)
  • Tom Ahern (ankle)
  • Rory Scannell (ankle)
  • Paddy Patterson (knee)
  • Edwin Edogbo (achilles)
  • Roman Salanoa (knee)

With several players on the verge of returning, Munster will be looking to kick off the season with a strong, competitive squad. Don’t miss the action—tickets for Saturday’s game are available now!

#MunsterRugby #URC #ReturnToPlay

Munster vs Connacht: Key Stats, Records, and Results from the Last Decade Ahead of the URC Clash

Munster vs Connacht: Key Stats, Records, and Results from the Last Decade Ahead of the URC Clash

As Munster and Connacht prepare for another intense showdown in the United Rugby Championship (URC), it’s worth reflecting on how these Irish provincial rivals have fared against each other over the last decade. From Munster’s consistent home dominance to Connacht’s rare but notable victories, these clashes have provided thrilling rugby, with plenty of tight encounters and some standout performances. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, records, and a comprehensive list of results between Munster and Connacht over the last 10 years.

Key Stats and Records (Last 10 Years)

  • Munster’s Biggest Win: Munster’s largest victory over Connacht came on 06/05/17, with a commanding 50-14 win.
  • Connacht’s Biggest Win: Connacht’s most dominant performance came on 16/04/16, with a 35-14 victory, a 21-point margin.
  • Narrowest Win for Connacht: Connacht’s narrowest victory occurred on 01/01/22, winning a tense game 10-8.
  • Longest Winning Streak (Munster): Munster enjoyed a four-game winning streak over Connacht from 05/01/19 to 30/08/20.
  • Back-to-Back Home Wins for Connacht: Connacht claimed consecutive home wins over Munster in 2022 with scores of 20-11 and 10-8.
  • Munster’s Home Dominance (Exception in 2021): While Munster has been dominant at home, Connacht broke this streak on 14/05/21, securing a 24-20 victory at Thomond Park.
  • Connacht’s Rare Double in 2021: Connacht won two games against Munster in 2021, with victories on 14/05/21 (24-20) and 16/10/21 (20-18).
  • Highest Combined Score: The match on 28/03/15 saw the highest combined score, with Munster winning 42-20 (62 total points).
  • Tight Encounters: Five matches in the last 10 years were decided by 4 points or fewer, showcasing the intense rivalry.
  • Connacht’s Improved Competitiveness: Connacht has won 8 out of 22 encounters since 2014, reflecting their growing ability to compete with Munster.

Full Results (Last 10 Years)

  • 11/05/24: Munster 47 – 12 Connacht
  • 01/01/24: Connacht 22 – 9 Munster
  • 26/11/22: Munster 24 – 17 Connacht
  • 07/10/22: Connacht 20 – 11 Munster
  • 01/01/22: Connacht 10 – 8 Munster
  • 16/10/21: Connacht 20 – 18 Munster
  • 14/05/21: Munster 20 – 24 Connacht
  • 05/03/21: Munster 20 – 17 Connacht
  • 09/01/21: Connacht 10 – 16 Munster
  • 30/08/20: Munster 49 – 12 Connacht
  • 21/12/19: Connacht 14 – 19 Munster
  • 27/04/19: Munster 27 – 14 Connacht
  • 05/01/19: Connacht 24 – 31 Munster
  • 06/01/18: Munster 39 – 13 Connacht
  • 27/10/17: Connacht 20 – 16 Munster
  • 06/05/17: Munster 50 – 14 Connacht
  • 31/12/16: Connacht 9 – 16 Munster
  • 16/04/16: Connacht 35 – 14 Munster
  • 28/11/15: Munster 12 – 18 Connacht
  • 28/03/15: Munster 42 – 20 Connacht
  • 01/01/15: Connacht 24 – 16 Munster
  • 19/04/14: Connacht 23 – 32 Munster

Opening Weekend of the URC: Predicted Handicaps Before Betting Markets

Opening Weekend of the URC: Predicted Handicaps Before Betting Markets

The much-anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) is back, and with the betting markets yet to release official handicaps, here are my early predictions for the opening weekend. These handicaps provide an early insight into how the games may be priced by bookmakers.

Friday Matches

– **Cardiff (-16) vs Zebre**
– **Edinburgh (+9) vs Leinster**

Saturday Matches

– **Dragons (+4) vs Ospreys**

– **Munster (-13) vs Connacht**
– **Bennetton (-12) vs Scarlets**
– **Ulster (-3) vs Glasgow**

These predicted handicaps offer an early look at what to expect before official betting lines are set. Keep an eye on the markets as they open to see how they compare!

List of Rugby Referees and TMOs for this weeks matches

The match officials appointments of the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 fixtures have been confirmed and are available alongside TV listings below.

The match officials appointments of the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 fixtures have been confirmed and are available alongside TV listings below.

To avoid a clash with the Carling Currie Cup Final, Round 1 fixtures involving the South African teams will now be moved from this weekend and rescheduled to early 2025.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Cardiff Rugby v Zebre Parma
Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 19th league game)
AR 1: Mike English (WRU) AR 2: Rhys Jones (WRU)
TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
Live on: BBC Wales, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Edinburgh Rugby v Leinster
Hive Stadium, Edinburgh – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Andrea Piardi (FIR, 46th league game)
AR 1: Jonny Perriam (SRU) AR 2: Michael Todd (SRU)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (FIR)
Live on: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Dragons RFC v Ospreys
Rodney Parade, Newport – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA & SA
Referee: Ben Breakspear (WRU, 3rd league game)
AR 1: Mike English (WRU) AR 2: Ben Connor (WRU)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (WRU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Munster v Connacht
Thomond Park, Limerick – KO 17.30 IRE & UK / 18.30 ITA & SA
Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU, 43rd league game)
AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU) AR 2: Dan Carson (IRFU)
TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)
Live on: RTÉ, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Benetton v Scarlets
Stadio Monigo, Treviso – KO 19.35 IRE & UK / 20.35 ITA & SA
Referee: Ian Kenny (SRU, 4th league game)
AR 1: Fillipo Russo (FIR) AR 2: Franco Rosella (FIR)
TMO: Dave Sutherland (SRU)
Live on: Sky Italia, S4C, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Ulster v Glasgow Warriors
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast – KO 19.45 IRE & UK / 20.45 ITA & SA
Referee: Adam Jones (WRU, 38th league game)
AR 1: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU) AR 2: Padraig Reidy (IRFU)
TMO: Tom Spurrier (WRU)
Live on: Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Kyprios completes the perfect season by winning Irish St Leger

Kyprios and delighted winning connections after winning the Comer Group International Irish St Leger at The Curragh. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Kyprios won the Group 1 Comer Group Irish St Leger at The Curragh on Sunday afternoon.

The win completes a perfect season for the son of Gailleo who has achieved wins in his five races in 2024.

Trained at Ballydoyle by Aidan O’Brien and owned by a partnership of Moyglare Stud and Coolmore Stud, the six-year-old was regaining the title he won two years ago.

Favourite upstaged in Moyglare Stakes

Race favourite Bedtime Story (4/5 favourite) was upstaged by her stable companion Lake Victoria (11/2) in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes.

The seven-furlong race for fillies saw Lake Victoria and Wayne Lordan come late and wide down the home straight to claim victory, winning eventually by a length and a quarter at the line.

The Ollie Sangster-trained British challenger Simmering (17/2) finished second, with Exactly (20/1) a short-head further back. There was another head back to Red Letter with Bedtime Story being run our of it, finishing last of the five runners.

 

Scorthy Champ and Bradsell claim Group 1s at The Curragh

The Joseph O'Brien trained Scorthy Champ was a surprise winner of the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Scorthy Champ caused an upset in the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday afternoon.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained 12/1 chance claimed the scalp of the 4/5 favourite Henri Matisse, trained by the winning handler’s father, Aidan.

Scorthy Champ, ridden by Donegal jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle, had three-quarters of a length in hand on runner-up Henri Matisse, under Ryan Moore, with British raider Seagulls Eleven (7/1) the same distance further back with Oisín Murphy in third.

 

First winner in Ireland for Hollie Doyle

Bradsell gave jockey Hollie Doyle her first winner in Ireland this afternoon in the Group 1 Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes.

Trained by Archie Watson in England, the four-year-old son of Tasleet led home a British-trained clean sweep with the visitors claiming the first six places.

Economics and Tom Marquand win Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes

Economics and Tom Marquand (far side) seen holding off Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore (near side) to win the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last month. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Jockey Tom Marquand completed a quick Group 1 double on day one of the 2024 Irish Champions Festival when guiding Economics (7/4 favourite) to victory in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Marquand had earlier won the Group 1 Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes aboard Porta Fortuna for Donnacha O’Brien, but this time he teamed up with British-based trainer William Haggas to claim the €1.25 million race.

The son of Night of Thunder held off last winner’s Auguste Rodin and Ryan Moore as the Aidan O’Brien-trained runner failed by a neck at the line to win a seventh Group 1 race.

The Japanese runner, Shin Emperor, was third a further three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up.

Economics becomes the first British-trained winner of the Group 1 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes since Oisín Murphy guided Roaring Lion to victory for John Gosden in 2018.

Interestingly, this afternoon was Economics’ Group 1 debut and he becomes the first horse since Pentire in 1995 to break their Group 1 maiden in the Irish Champion Stakes.

Porta Fortuna wins Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes at Leopardstown

Porta Fortuna, winner of the Group 1 Coolmore Aemrica 'Justify' Matron Stakes at Leopardstown, surrounded by winning connections. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.

Porta Fortuna and Tom Marquand won the Group 1 Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes over a mile at Leopardstown this afternoon.

One of the two Group 1 contests on day one of the 2024 Irish Champions Festival, it was a fourth success at the highest level for the daughter of Caravaggio.

Trained by Donnacha O’Brien, the three-year-old had finished runner-up in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket in May before claiming Group 1 wins in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

She becomes only the third favourite to win the race in the last 11 years, the previous two were Legatissimo in 2015 and Tahiyra last year.