A squad update from Pete Wilkins and his coaching team ahead of Saturday’s game at away to Lions in Round 10 of the BKT United Rugby Championship

Squad update has plenty of positives with Mack Hansen due back at end of April.

Colm Reilly (ankle) – Available

Shane Jennings (ankle) – Available

Diarmuid Kilgallen (thigh) – Available

Oisin McCormack (thigh) – Available

Shayne Bolton (ankle) – early April.

Oisin Dowling (ankle) – mid April.

Mack Hansen (shoulder) – end of April

Santiago Cordero (knee) – end of May

John Porch (knee) return to training in the coming weeks.

Dylan Tierney-Martin (neck) has a consultancy review this week.

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In a prelude to the eagerly awaited opening game of the BKT United Rugby Championship (URC), Connacht’s Defense Coach, Scott Fardy, engaged with the media, setting the stage for the clash against Ospreys at The Sportsground on Saturday.

Fardy, a seasoned rugby professional, brought a wealth of experience to the conversation, providing insights into Connacht’s defensive strategies and preparations for the forthcoming encounter.

The discussion delved into Connacht’s tactical approach, key focus areas in defense, and Fardy’s perspectives on the strengths and challenges posed by the Ospreys and his previous trips to the “Greyhound Track”

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Players in bold still currently play for Connacht and/or Ireland

Current Connacht Players:

Kieran Marmion – Marmion has played over 160 times for the province since his debut in 2012. The 28 year old made his senior Ireland debut in 2014 against Argentina.

Niyi Adeolokun – Has made over 90 appearances for Connacht since 2014. Made Ireland debut in 2016.

Bundee Aki – Has also made over 90 appearances for the province. Has made 26 appearances for Ireland since 2017.

Finlay Bealham – Has played over 140 times for Connacht since 2014. Has gone on to play 9 times for Ireland.

Jack Carty – Is approaching the 140 appearance mark at Connacht. Has been at the province since 2012. Made Ireland debut in 2019.

Ultan Dillane – Has been with Connacht since 2012. Has made 93 appearances to date. Has made 16 appearances with Ireland since debut in 2016 against England.

Matt Healy – Healy has been at Connacht since 2012. He has made 139 appearances scoring 280 points. Made senior Ireland debut on tour in South Africa in 2016.

Dave Heffernan – Still plying his trade at Connacht since 2012. Made 129 appearances. Made Ireland debut in 2017.

Tiernan O’Halloran – Has been with Connacht since 2009. He has made 181 appearances for the province. Made Ireland debut in 2016 against South Africa.

Mack Hansen – Hansen made his debut for Ireland in the 2022 Six Nations, his mother was born in Cork and moved to Australia as a child. Mack moved from the Brumbies to Connacht in 2021.

Past Players

Robbie Henshaw – Played with Connacht from 2012 to 2016. Making 77 appearances. Joined Leinster in 2016. Made Ireland debut in 2013 against Australia. Has made 43 appearances to date. 

Quinn Roux – Came to Connacht on loan from Leinster in 2014 and has been at the Sportsground ever since. Has made nearly 100 appearances. Ireland debut came in 2016 against South Africa.

Nathan White – Played for Connacht from 2012 to 2016. Made Ireland debut in 2015 against Scotland. Has since retired from the game.

Gavin Duffy – Had two spells with Connacht 2003/04 and then 2006 to 2014. Made over 170 appearances. Made 10 appearances from Ireland between 2004-2009. His debut came on the 2004 tour to South Africa

Tony Buckley – Played for one season with Connacht 2004/2005 making 60 appearances. Made Ireland debt on tour to Argentina.

Kieran Campbell – Campbell played for Connacht from 2008 to 2010. He made 9 appearances for the club. He would make his Ireland debut in 2005 in Japan.

Rodney Ah You – Played for Connacht from 2010 to 2016. He made over 120 appearances. Ireland debut came in 2014 against Argentina. Currently playing with Newcastle Falcons.

John Cooney – Played for Connacht 2014/15 while on loan from Leinster. Moved permanently to the province from 2015 to 2017. Has since joined Ulster. Made Ireland debut in 2017.

Sean Cronin – Played from 2008 to 2011 with Connacht making 62 appearances. Has been at Leinster since then. Has made over 70 appearances for Ireland since debut in 2009 against Fiji.

James Downey – Downey made 26 appearances for Connacht from 2004 to 2006. Made senior Ireland debut against Canada in 2013. Retired in 2016 after short spell with Wasps.

Pat Duignan – Played 88 times for the province. He played in two qualifying games ahead of 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Eric Elwood – Elwood was one of Connacht’s greatest ever players. He played from 1989 to 2005 with the club. He made 168 appearances scoring over 1000 points. Made Ireland debut in 1995, played 35 times scoring 296 points.

Jerry Flannery – Career began at Connacht in 2001 to 2003 made 6 appearances. Moved to Munster for remainder of career. Would make 41 appearances for Ireland.

John Fogarty – Fogarty made over 100 appearances for Connacht between 2003 and 2008. He made his debut in 2010 against New Zealand. Has since become part of Andy Farrell’s backroom team (scrum coach) with Ireland.

John Muldoon – Made 327 appearances for Connacht from 2003 to 2018. Made Ireland debut in 2009 against Canada.

Mike McCarthy – Had two spells at Connacht 2003/04 making 24 appearances. Would join province permanently in 2007 making 136 appearances. Ireland debut came in 2011 against Scotland in a World Cup warm up game. Finished up with Ireland in 2016.

Ian Keatley – Played three seasons at Connacht 2008-2011. Made 77 appearances scoring 688 points. Ireland debut came in 2009 against Canada.

Bernard Jackman – Jackman played with Connacht from 1997 to 2005 under Warren Gatland. He made 9 appearances for Ireland from 2000 to 2008. He joined Leinster in 2005.

Ronan Loughney – Loughney played with Connacht from 2006 to 2017 making over 180 appearances. Made Ireland debut in 2012 against New Zealand.

Eoin Reddan – Played with Connacht from 2001 to 2003. Made 18 appearances before going on to play for Munster, Wasps and Leinster. 71 caps for Ireland. Retired in 2016.

Johnny O’Connor – Had two spells at Connacht from 2001 to 2003 and again 2007 to 2013. Making 137 appearances in all. 12 appearances for Ireland between 2004 -2006. Debut coming against South Africa.

Mark McHugh – Played for Connacht, Montpelier and Nice. Made Ireland debut in 2003 against Tonga

Matt Mostyn – Began playing with province in 1999 to 2000 and again 2000 to 2008. Would go onto play 100 times for the province. Would make 6 appearances for Ireland debut, four of these at the 1999 World Cup.

Tom Tierney – Played for Connacht and won 8 international caps from 1999 to 2000. Has coached the women’s national team in the past.

Noel Mannion – He played for the Ireland team from 1988 to 1993, winning 16 caps and scoring 3 tries, after making his debut in October 1988 against Samoa in a 49–22 win at Lansdowne Road. He was part of the Ireland team at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

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With Ulster, Leinster and Munster all having home advantage in the second leg, they will travel away on the weekend of 8, 9, 10 April.

Ulster visit Toulouse, Leinster have the short journey to Connacht, while Munster travel to Exeter Chiefs.

In all-French clashes Stade Francais will host Racing 92 while Union Bordeaux-Begles will entertain Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle.

Sale Sharks are at home to Bristol Bears in an all-English match, while French sides Montpellier and Clermont Auverge will host English teams Harlequins and Leicester Tigers respectively.

The second leg games will be played on the weekend of 15, 16, 17 April.

Exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in the coming days.

HEINEKEN CHAMPIONS CUP
Round of 16 first leg – 8/9/10 April
Stade Francais v Racing 92
Toulouse v Ulster
Union Bordeaux-Begles v La Rochelle
Connacht v Leinster
Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears
Exeter Chiefs v Munster
Montpellier v Harlequins
Clermont Auvergne v Leicester Tigers

Round of 16 second leg – 15/16/17 April
Racing 92 v Stade Francais
Ulster v Toulouse
La Rochelle v Union Bordeaux-Begles
Leinster v Connacht
Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks
Munster v Exeter Chiefs
Harlequins v Montpellier
Leicester Tigers v Clermont Auvergne

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In a game where Connacht lead on the scoreboard until shortly before half time, the game’s lead swung from side to side in the second 40 minutes.

With two tries per side, Munster’s from Chris Cloete and Diarmuid Barron and Connacht’s courtesy of Paul Boyle and Jack Carty, the home side converted both of theirs while the visitors only managed it once.

Carty pens give visitors an early lead

Two early Jack Carty penalties in the 3rd and 9th minute gave the visitors a deserved early lead.

When Mack Hansen touched down in the corner in the 24th minute, the Westerners thought they had extended their advantage, only for the officiating team to call a forward pass in an earlier phase of the move. A no try decision was given, leaving the Connacht side 6-0 ahead.

Sammy Arnold yellow card

Connacht’s Sammy Arnold was sent to the sin bin following a high tackle on Munster full back Mike Haley. Bundee Aki was first in to tackle the home side’s number 15 but Arnold came in to assist Aki but clashed heads with Haley.

When the referee viewed the incident on the large screen in the stadium, he didn’t have any hesitation in going to his pocket to produce a yellow card for the Connacht centre.

Despite the one man advantage, it took until moments before the half-time whistle for the home side to come to life.

Playing advantage, Munster spread the ball wide with Connacht lacking cover. Tadhg Beirne kicked on the ball but it looked as though it would reach the dead ball line. South African Chris Cloete reached the ball in time, however, and his touch down gave Johann van Graan’s side their first score of the game.

Thomond Park roars @cloetechris6 on as @Munsterrugby hit back to take the lead into half-time #URC | #MUNCON pic.twitter.com/BTzuf08XeW

— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) October 16, 2021

A successful conversion for Joey Carbery gave the home side an unlikely and hardly deserved half-time advantage as they headed to the dressing room 7-6 in front.

Half-time: Munster Rugby 7 Connacht Rugby 6

Carbery increased his side’s lead with a 21 metre penalty in the 48th minute of the game.

Quick thinking and alertness from Connacht saw them retake the lead in the 53rd minute. With Munster failing to pay attention, the visitors quick tap and go saw Paul Boyle crash over for his team first try of the game.

Quick-witted Paul Boyle capitalises on the most complacent of Munster defending to give Connacht an 11-10 lead.

Watch live – https://t.co/ppdfuAyEpa…
Live updates – https://t.co/KxwCwKaIv8…#RTERugby #URC #MUNvCON pic.twitter.com/R48SV86pIe

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 16, 2021

Though Carty’s conversion attempt came back off the upright, his side was back in front on an 11-10 score line.

Within five minutes, Carbery put the men in red back in front as the lead continued to see-saw in this tight game. The Munster number 10’s three-pointer meant a 13-11 score in favour of the home side, with just over 20 minutes to play.

Jack Carty was back on the scoresheet on 69 minutes when blocking down a Joey Carbery attempted clearance. A casual clearance effort by the Munsterman was blocked down in front of the posts by his opposite number before he had the easy task of scoring his side’s second five-pointer of the game.

The Connacht captain added the extra two points for good measure, as he put his team five points in front with a frenetic 10 minutes remaining on the stadium clock.

Jack Carty more than atones for his earlier missed conversion, as Joey Carbery is punished for his casual play.

Watch live – https://t.co/ppdfuAyEpa…
Live updates – https://t.co/KxwCwKaIv8…#RTERugby #URC #MUNvCON pic.twitter.com/DDgvaycfqq

— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) October 16, 2021

The pendulum swung back in favour of the Munstermen when replacement Diarmuid Barron crossed for his side’s second try of the evening. With only two minutes remaining in the game, Carbery had an opportunity to give his side the lead in the dying moments of the tie.

The Munster kicked kept his cool to send the ball between the uprights and give Johann van Graan’s team a 20-18 win.

Full-time: Munster Rugby 20 Connacht Rugby 18

Munster Rugby Team:

15. Mike Haley, 14. Andrew Conway, 13. Keith Earls, 12. Rory Scannell, 11. Simon Zebo, 10. Joey Carbery, 9. Craig Casey.

1. Dave Kilcoyne, 2. Niall Scannell, 3. John Ryan, 4. Jean Kleyn, 5. Tadhg Beirne, 6. Peter O’Mahony (captain), 7. Chris Cloete, 8. Gavin Coombes.

Connacht Rugby Team:

15. Tiernan O’Halloran, 14. John Porch, 13. Sammy Arnold, 12. Bundee Aki, 11. Mack Hansen, 10. Jack Carty (captain), 9. Caolin Blade.

1. Matthew Burke, 2. Dave Heffernan, 3. Finlay Bealham, 4. Niall Murray, 5. Ultan Dillane, 6. Cian Prendergast, 7. Conor Oliver, 8. Paul Boyle.

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Three games down, three wins. Johann van Graam is building the team to watch this season but next, they must overcome neighbors Connacht

Munster v Connacht kicks off at 19:35 on Saturday 16th October in Thomond Park. The match will also be shown live on RTE 2, Premier Sports, and SuperSport URC TV.

There are just three teams are left with a 100 percent winning record after three rounds of competitive United Rugby Championship action; Leinster, Munster, and Ulster.

This weekend there will be the first interprovincial clash of the season which sees in-form Munster take on an inconsistent Connacht.

Munster has a maximum haul of 15 points from their opening three matches while the Westerners’ big win against the Bulls is sandwiched by defeats to Cardiff and the Dragons.

Connacht were 24-20 winners when they visited Thomond Park in the Rainbow Cup in May and Munster’s record against Irish opposition since the start of 2020 is won five, lost seven.

But Connacht has not won successive matches against Munster since 2016 and they have never won consecutive away ties in the fixture.

Mack Hansen.

Connacht fans are going to enjoy watching this guy. pic.twitter.com/jS975pVHmr

— The Loose Head (@TheLooseH) October 1, 2021

Munster v Connacht Starting Teams

Munster:

Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Keith Earls, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo; Joey Carbery, Craig Casey; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Peter O’Mahony (C), Chris Cloete, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements:

Diarmuid Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue, Neil Cronin, Jake Flannery, Dan Goggin.

Injuries: 

RG Snyman, Jason Jenkins, Keynan Knox, James French, Rowan Osborne, Chris Farrell, Roman Salanoa.

Connacht:

𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘾𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏

Meet the 23 representing Connacht in tomorrow's #URC interpro with @Munsterrugby #MUNvCON #StrengthInNumbers

Full story: https://t.co/9EAiPZ5oWx pic.twitter.com/4aX5O8nM3A

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) October 15, 2021

Munster v Connacht Betting

Outright Betting

Munster to win: 1/9

Draw: 30/1

Connacht to win: 11/2

Handicap Betting

Munster (-15):

Draw (-15):

Connacht (+15):

Score Prediction

The bookmakers are heavily against Connacht to cause an upset in Thomond Park. It is clear to see why with the phenomenal attitude and performances of the Munster squad so far. The western province will not back down from the Stags’ attack but they will not have enough to beat them.

Expect Munster to win by around 10 points.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date provincial and international rugby news, click here.

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Connacht have added to their recruitment for 2021/22 with the signing of loosehead prop Tietie Tuimauga.

The 28-year-old Samoan has recently made the move from former New Zealand side Manawatu, earning two international caps with the Samoan National Team during the summer, featuring against Tonga and the Maori All Blacks.

Connacht have been looking to bring in an extra loosehead prop this season, with Denis Buckley likely to be sidelined until the new year and is continuing his rehabilitation from a long term knee injury at the end of last year.

Tuimauga will link up with the squad in the coming weeks with a view to being available for selection later in 2021.

𝙒𝙀𝙇𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙀 𝙏𝙄𝙀𝙏𝙄𝙀

Samoan international prop Tietie Tuimauga has joined Connacht Rugby

Full story: https://t.co/WGIe2OQlg3 pic.twitter.com/qV9NGHUZ4n

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) October 5, 2021

Commenting on the signing, Head Coach Andy Friend said:
 
“It’s no secret we’ve been exploring further options at loosehead following Denis Buckley’s long-term injury, so we are really pleased to welcome Tietie to Connacht. We now have strong cover across all of our front row, which is a good place to be, and with Tietie’s experience, he’ll offer us something different.
 
We now have a Pro squad of 44 plus a number of integrated Academy players, so I’m really pleased with the group we have assembled. Our sole focus now is on building on last week’s win when we face the Dragons on Saturday.”

After their opening URC defeat to Cardiff, the Westerners came out 34-7 victors with a bonus-point win against the Bulls last week.

Andy Friend’s side will face-off against the Dragons at the Sportsground this coming Saturday, before the interprovincial block of the season.

Connacht will first travel to Thomond Park to face Munster, before taking on Ulster at the Aviva Stadium on October 23rd, in what is set to become the first major sporting event in Ireland without a Covid-19 restricted capacity.

Samoan Prop Tietie Tuimauga joins Connacht

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Leva Fifita is in line for his senior debut as Connacht welcome Vodacom Bulls to Sportsground as Connacht make three changes to their starting XV for tomorrow’s URC clash at home to the Vodacom Bulls with kick-off at 7.35 pm.

Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan and Abraham Papali’i are all drafted into the starting line-up, with Papali’i making his first appearance of the season.

Finlay Bealham joins Duggan and Heffernan in the front row, while the second row is unchanged with Oisin Dowling partnering Ultan Dillane.

Abraham Papali’i comes in at number 8, with captain Jarrad Butler moving to openside flanker and Cian Prendergast retaining his spot on the opposite flank.

The half-back partnership of Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty is unchanged, as is the centre pairing of Tom Daly and Tom Farrell.

Wingers Mack Hansen and John Porch and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran complete the back three.

Among the replacements is new signing Leva Fifita who is in line for his Connacht debut, and Irish international Caolin Blade who has returned from injury.

The Sportsground will operate at 50% capacity for this game.

𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙈 𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙊𝙐𝙉𝘾𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏

The squad representing Connacht tomorrow night against @BlueBullsRugby is here! #URC #StrengthInNumbers #CONvBUL

: https://t.co/byEAxjfUkV

: https://t.co/gtOm3MUHHQ pic.twitter.com/OamVMMFemb

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) September 30, 2021

Head Coach Andy Friend says:

“Last week’s result was disappointing but we as a coaching group saw enough to firmly believe we’re on the right track. If we can be more clinical at the crucial times I know we’ll be tough to beat whoever we face, so we hope to see more of that tomorrow against a very formidable Bulls outfit.

Bringing the likes of Papali’i and Fifita into our 23 gives us a lot of physicality, but we’ll need the throw the ball around a lot as well. With the Connacht supporters back behind us in full voice I know we can give them something to cheer about.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS VODACOM BULLS

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The Connacht Rugby team has been named ahead of their matchday squad for Friday night’s United Rugby Championship opener away to Cardiff (kick-off 7.35 pm).

After a two-try performance for the Eagles last week, new signing Mack Hansen has been handed his Pro debut after he was named on the wing. Fellow Aussie John Porch is named on the other wing with Tiernan O’Halloran operating at full-back.

Tom Farrell starts his first competitive game since November after his serious knee injury, with the 28-year old named in the centre alongside Tom Daly who makes his 50th appearance for the province. Irish internationals Kieran Marmion and Jack make up the half-back pairing.

Club captain Jarrad Butler is named at number 8 alongside flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver, while Oisín Dowling and Ultan Dillane start together in the second row.

The starting line-up is completed by hooker Shane Delahunt and props Matthew Burke and Finlay Bealham.

There’s also a potential debut off the bench for Hubert Gilvarry. The scrum-half has represented Sligo RFC and Sligo Grammar School and has been integrated into the Pro setup the last number of weeks.

Mack Hansen handed debut in URC opener with Cardiff

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT

Here is your team for our United Rugby Championship clash against @Cardiff_Rugby!

Mack Hansen will make his debut in Cardiff tomorrow, with a possible debut off the bench for Sligo's Hubert Gilvarr!

Kick off at 19:35, LIVE on @SportTG4 #StrengthInNumbers pic.twitter.com/bPvQf7VkOi

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) September 23, 2021

Head Coach Andy Friend says;

“It’s been a really productive pre-season campaign so we’re all really looking forward to this URC opener. It’s a difficult opening game as Cardiff are always a formidable outfit especially at home, but we’ve prepared in the right way and are confident we can put in a really strong performance.

Mack Hansen has been very impressive since arriving so fully deserves his first start, and in Hubert Gilvarry we have another Connacht native ready to make his debut if called upon. I know his inclusion in the matchday 23 will be a very proud day for all at Sligo RFC and Sligo Grammar School.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS CARDIFF RUGBY
Friday 24th September, Cardiff Arms Park @ 19:35

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