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URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash

JoeNa Connacht — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:57:52 +0000

Opinion: URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash

A record-breaking crowd of 27,500 packed into Hastings Insurance MacHale Park last Saturday night, hopeful of witnessing Connacht Rugby land a statement win over Munster. Instead, they left deflated, as Connacht suffered a 24-30 defeat, a result that officially ended their URC play-off hopes in front of their biggest-ever home crowd.

Off the field the day was a celebration of rugby in the west of Ireland but on the field it became another chapter in a frustrating, inconsistent season.

But while the URC dream is gone, Connacht’s season is far from finished.

This Saturday, Connacht face Cardiff at The Sportsground in the Challenge Cup Last 16 — a knockout clash that now defines their year. Win, and Connacht will host a European quarter-final against Racing 92 or Perpignan. Lose, and the season is over.

That’s why selection this week is crucial. Connacht need to change the formula. They can’t keep rolling out the same players who look mentally and physically drained. It’s time to freshen things up, back the wider squad, and give the fans something to believe in.

The Connacht XV I’d Start Against Cardiff

Here’s the team I would select — a side built on freshness, form, and hunger:

Starting XV

1. Peter Dooley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Joe Joyce
5. Niall Murray
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Sean Jansen
9. Colm Reilly
10. Josh Ioane
11. Finn Treacy
12. Cathal Forde
13. Piers O’Conor
14. Mack Hansen
15. Shane Jennings

Replacements

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
17. Denis Buckley
18. Jack Aungier
19. Darragh Murray
20. Paul Boyle
21. Matthew Devine
22. JJ Hanrahan
23. David Hawkshaw

Why this team?

This isn’t about disrespecting senior players — it’s about giving Connacht the best chance of keeping their season alive.

The side that lost to Munster last weekend needs changing. They’ve carried the load all year and it showed. Connacht need to bring fresh legs, fresh energy, and fearless players ready to scrap for every inch.

This team blends youth, form and physicality:

Shane Jennings at full-back: One of Connacht’s brightest young talents. I think he is injury free.
Mack Hansen back on the wing: World-class in broken play.
Treacy on the other wing: Raw, hungry and deserves his shot.
Forde & O’Conor in midfield: Direct, physical, with plenty to prove. Give Bundee and Gavin a rest and possibly bring them back for quarter-final
Ioane & Reilly at half-back: Blade may need a break. These two can bring spark. Reilly deserves a chance and Devine is there to come on any time.
A proper, physical pack: Joe Joyce and Niall Murray in the engine room, with Murphy at 6 to bring a hard edge alongside Hurley-Langton and Jansen.

The bench is loaded with experienced heads to close the game out.

The bottom line

Connacht’s URC campaign is over — but their season is not.

This Saturday’s Challenge Cup Last 16 knockout at home to Cardiff is everything now. Win, and they will host a European quarter-final in Galway. Lose, and it’s all over.

The time for caution and conservatism is gone.
It’s time to back the squad, trust the fresh legs, and change the mood.

Fresh faces. Fresh energy. A fresh approach.
Connacht’s season depends on it.

The post URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:26:32 +0000

Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test

Connacht have named their matchday 23 for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash away to the Ospreys (kick-off 5.15pm), with just three changes from the side that overcame Benetton three weeks ago.

There is continuity across the backline, as head coach Pete Wilkins sticks with the same seven backs for the second consecutive league fixture — a rare show of consistency in selection that reflects growing cohesion in the attacking unit.

Josh Ioane and Caolin Blade continue as the half-back pairing, with Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin retained in midfield. Shayne Bolton and Finn Treacy remain on the wings, while Piers O’Conor lines out at full-back once again.

Up front, Denis Buckley returns to the starting XV and is joined in the front row by Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier. Captain Joe Joyce comes back into the engine room alongside Darragh Murray, while Josh Murphy joins Shamus Hurley-Langton and Paul Boyle in a physical and mobile back row.

There’s also a clear intent to match Ospreys physically, with a 6:2 forwards-to-backs split named on the bench. Sean Jansen, typically a back row option, takes the number 23 jersey, highlighting the tactical focus for this crucial away fixture.

Away Form Must Improve

Connacht’s only away win in the league since April 2024 came against the Scarlets back in early October. Since then, results on the road have been inconsistent — a trend that must change if the province are to stay in touch with the playoff places.

With a massive fixture against Cardiff to follow next week — set to be played at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar — Wilkins and his staff will be eager to carry momentum into the home stretch of the season.

A defeat in Swansea could force selection changes for the Connacht leg of that double-header, while a victory would put Connacht slightly back in the mix for a top-eight finish.

Team named for tomorrow’s BKT URC clash with Ospreys in Swansea

3️⃣ changes from the Benetton win
Backline unchanged
6:2 bench split

See the squad in full https://t.co/3SKRxf2L5K pic.twitter.com/7rTehPHt61

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) March 21, 2025

Connacht Matchday 23 vs Ospreys (Saturday, 5.15pm):

15. Piers O’Conor
14. Finn Treacy
13. Hugh Gavin
12. Cathal Forde
11. Shayne Bolton
10. Josh Ioane
9. Caolin Blade

1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Jack Aungier
4. Joe Joyce (Captain)
5. Darragh Murray
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Paul Boyle

Replacements:
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
17. Peter Dooley
18. Sam Illo
19. Niall Murray
20. Cian Prendergast
21. Conor Oliver
22. Tom Farrell
23. Sean Jansen

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Match Report: Bristol Bears 38-35 Connacht Rugby – Mack is back

JoeNa Connacht — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:02:55 +0000

Connacht concluded their preseason campaign with a thrilling, high-scoring 38-35 defeat against Bristol Bears, setting the stage for their opening clash in the 2024/25 URC season against Munster next weekend.

The encounter was a showcase of end-to-end rugby, with both teams exchanging blows throughout. Bristol’s clinical attack saw them secure a hard-fought win, but Connacht demonstrated immense resilience, keeping the contest alive until the dying moments. The second half wasn’t as intense due to all the substitutions.

First Half: Electric Start, Momentum Shifts

Bristol wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with James Williams crossing for an early try just two minutes in, converted by AJ MacGinty. Connacht responded swiftly with Andrew Smith charging over the whitewash in the 5th minute, with Josh Ioane adding the extras to level the game. Smith, a standout performer for Connacht, added his second try in the 21st minute, showcasing his blistering pace and eye for the try line.

Bristol’s Harry Randall was instrumental in the first half, punishing Connacht with a sharp interception and a cheeky dummy to bag two tries in quick succession (18’ and 27’). Ioane, however, kept Connacht in touch with a flawless kicking display, converting all of Connacht’s first-half tries, including a late try from Niall Murray after a period of sustained pressure.

At halftime, the scoreboard read **Bristol Bears 24-21 Connacht**, with both teams evenly matched in what was shaping up to be a high-scoring affair.

Second Half: Substitutions and Drama

The second half began with both teams rotating their lineups, bringing on fresh legs and nearly fielding completely different sides. Bristol capitalised first as Benhard Janse van Rensburg sliced through Connacht’s defense to score their fifth try of the evening in the 51st minute, with MacGinty converting to extend their lead to 31-21.

"Pre-season has been brilliant and we've had four good wins. That was the toughest game so far and we're ready to go for @premrugby now."

Hear from DOR Pat Lam after today's pre-season victory over Connacht at the HPC pic.twitter.com/9x9Warzzpu

— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) September 13, 2024

Connacht, undeterred, responded with Fiachna Barrett crashing over in the 68th minute following a long spell of pressure, narrowing the gap to just three points after Ioane added the conversion. Moments later, Connacht seized the lead for the first time in the match when another try scored by Paul Boyle was converted, taking them ahead 35-31 with just seven minutes remaining.

However, Bristol had the final say. Rich Lane darted over for a try in the 75th minute, and the successful conversion restored the Bears’ advantage at 38-35. Despite late efforts, Connacht couldn’t muster another score, and the match concluded with Bristol narrowly coming out on top.

Final Thoughts: Promising Signs for Connacht

Despite the loss, Connacht will take plenty of positives from the performance, particularly their fighting spirit and attacking prowess. Andrew Smith was electric, and Josh Ioane’s accuracy with the boot was flawless throughout. But most importantly it seen the comeback of Mack Hansen who had been out injured since January. With the URC season opener against Munster next weekend, Connacht will look to fine-tune their defense and build on the strong attacking foundations laid in this preseason encounter.

Match Scorers:

**Bristol Bears:**
– **James Williams** (Try, 2’)
– **Harry Randall** (Tries, 18’, 27’)
– **Harry Thacker** (Try, 33’)
– **Benhard Janse van Rensburg** (Try, 51’)
– **Rich Lane** (Try, 75’)
– **AJ MacGinty** (Conversions, 2’, 18’, 51’, )

**Connacht Rugby:**
– **Andrew Smith** (Tries, 5’, 21’)
– **Niall Murray** (Try, 36’)
– **Fiachna Barrett** (Try, 68’)
– ** Paul Boyle** (Try, 72)
– **Conversions** – Josh Ioane (5’, 21’, 36’, ?, ?

**Starting XV**
(15-9): Mack Hansen, Shane Jennings, Piers O’Conor, Hugh Gavin, Andrew Smith, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade
(1-8): Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Sam Illo, Oisin Dowling, Niall Murray, Josh Murphy, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Cian Prendergast (C)

**Replacements**:
Denis Buckley, Eoin de Buitlear, Fiachna Barrett, Darragh Murray, David O’Connor, Paul Boyle, Conor Oliver, Sean Jansen, Ben Murphy, Sean Naughton, David Hawkshaw, Byron Ralston, Finn Treacy

Connacht’s focus now shifts to the highly anticipated clash with Munster, as they kick off the new URC season next weekend.

The post Match Report: Bristol Bears 38-35 Connacht Rugby – Mack is back appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

All Black Josh Ioane Linked with Move to Connacht Rugby

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 08:54:03 +0000

The rugby transfer market is buzzing with speculation, and one of the hottest topics is the potential move of All Black Josh Ioane to Connacht Rugby.

According to social media rumors, Ioane is set to compete with Jack Carty and Sean Naughton for the coveted ten jersey, with JJ Hanrahan sidelined until next March due to injury.

This move could significantly bolster Connacht’s squad, offering a dynamic and experienced playmaker to the mix. Sources suggest the deal should be confirmed in the coming days.

Josh Ioane’s Rugby Journey

Early Career and Rise with the Highlanders

Josh Ioane’s rugby journey began with Otago, where he made an immediate impact. His impressive performance in his debut season caught the attention of the Highlanders, who signed him for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

Breakthrough Season in 2019

During the 2019 Super Rugby season, Ioane emerged as a regular starter despite the presence of experienced Marty Banks. Ioane’s ability to consistently score points was a highlight of the season, finishing as one of the highest points-scorers with 114 points.

All Blacks Selection and International Debut

Ioane’s domestic form did not go unnoticed, and on 2 July 2019, he was named by head coach Steve Hansen as one of four uncapped players in New Zealand’s All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship. Although initially overlooked in the starting lineup, Ioane made his international debut for New Zealand against Tonga on 7 September 2019. He made an immediate impact, replacing Beauden Barrett at half-time and scoring 8 points in a 92–7 victory.

Continued Domestic Success

Ioane continued to perform at a high level in domestic competitions. After leaving the Highlanders, he joined the Chiefs for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season. His tenure with various teams showcases his adaptability and consistent performance on the field.

Career Statistics

| Years | Team | Apps | Points |
|———–|————–|——|——–|
| 2017–2022 | Otago | 57 | 427 |
| 2018–2021 | Highlanders | 43 | 229 |
| 2022– | Chiefs | 29 | 74 |

Potential Impact at Connacht Rugby

Competition for the Ten Jersey

If Ioane’s move to Connacht materialises , he will be vying for the starting fly-half position with seasoned player Jack Carty and emerging talent Sean Naughton. This competition is expected to elevate the overall performance of the team as players push each other for the starting role.

Filling the Void Left by JJ Hanrahan

With JJ Hanrahan likely out until next March due to injury, Ioane’s presence will be crucial. His experience and skill set will be invaluable in guiding the team through the upcoming season, providing stability and creativity in the backline.

Josh Ioane’s potential move to Connacht Rugby is a significant development for Irish Rugby, where Leinster currently have four international tens. Questions will have to be asked why Connacht had the go find a non Irish qualified player to fill the gap left by the Hanrahan injury.

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