Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 6
Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway
Date: Friday, 17 October 2025 – Kick-off 7.45pm
TV: Live on TG4 & Premier Sports 2

Connacht Team News

Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has named a powerful Connacht lineup featuring the return of Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham, and Mack Hansen, with all three British & Irish Lions starting as the province looks to make Dexcom Stadium a fortress once more.

Captain Cian Prendergast moves to openside flanker, joined by Josh Murphy and Sean Jansen in a dynamic back row. Darragh Murray and David O’Connor form the second-row partnership, while Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, and Finlay Bealham complete the front row.

Caolin Blade and Josh Ioane renew their half-back pairing, with Bundee Aki and Byron Ralston combining in midfield. Hansen lines out at full-back behind wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins.

The replacements include a 5:3 split, with academy graduates Matthew Devine, Cathal Forde, and Sean Naughton covering the backline — Naughton hailing from Kilkenny, while Devine and Forde are Galway natives.

Unavailable: Denis Buckley (hamstring), Paul Boyle (shoulder), Shamus Hurley-Langton (shoulder), Temi Lasisi (knee), Oisín Dowling (knee), Niall Murray (ankle).

“The Bulls are a formidable side, with a strong blend of power up front and pace in the back field. They were URC finalists for a reason last year, and we’re expecting a response after their defeat in Ulster. With the fans behind us, three returning Lions and a much-improved performance, it should make for a great game.”
— Stuart Lancaster

Vodacom Bulls Overview

The Bulls arrive in Galway after a bruising 28–7 defeat to Ulster in Belfast. That result ended their perfect start to the URC campaign, and they’ve now lost two consecutive away matches — something they haven’t done three times in succession since 2023.

Head coach Jake White has opted for rotation, resting several senior Springboks and naming a youthful, developmental squad for the trip to the West of Ireland.

Strength Comparison: Bulls vs Ulster (Away) vs Connacht (Away)

Team that played Ulster (lost)

• Handré Pollard at 10
• Marco van Staden, Nizaam Carr & Jannes Kirsten in the pack
• Zak Burger at 9
• Backline of Pollard, Vorster, Moodie, Le Roux & Jacobs
• First-choice front row: Steenekamp, Grobbelaar, Louw

Verdict: A frontline Bulls team – arguably their strongest available XV apart from a few resting Springboks like Nortje and Coetzee. It was picked to win and had vastly more Test experience.

Team to play Connacht (this week at Dexcom Stadium)

• Missing Pollard, Burger, van Staden, Carr, Kirsten & Steenekamp
• Keagan Johannes (10) and Paul de Wet (9) start — both inexperienced
• Captain Reinhardt Ludwig leads, with fringe or academy forwards (Xaba, Theron, Rudolph)
• Bench includes Vorster, Papier, Jacobs & Grobbelaar for impact

Verdict: This is a second-string Bulls team designed to give young players exposure and rest key stars after a bruising Ulster trip. It’s lighter up front and inexperienced at half-back.

Final Verdict:
Stronger Team: vs Ulster
Weaker Team: vs Connacht (development side)

Betting Market Movement

Connacht opened +6 at home to the Bulls on Monday but have since been smashed into -1 favourites by Thursday evening — one of the biggest URC line moves of the week.

Punters have piled into the home side after sharks selection announcement, viewing this as a golden opportunity for Connacht to record a morale-boosting win.

Handicap Shift (Mon ➜ Thurs):
Connacht +6 ➜ -1 7-point swing – strongest market move of the week

Recent Form & Head-to-Head

• Connacht have won only two of their last eight URC games — both against Italian sides.
• Their only home defeat in the last four was 21–31 to Edinburgh.
• Bulls have lost their last two away matches and both most recent trips to Irish provinces.
• Connacht’s only previous win vs Bulls came in Galway (34–7, 2021).

Stat Leaders 2025/26

Connacht:
Top Try Scorers – D. O’Connor, D. Tierney-Martin, J. Ioane, S. Jansen, S. Naughton (1 each)
Top Points – Cathal Forde (9)

Bulls:
Top Try Scorer – Johan Grobbelaar (3)
Top Points – Keagan Johannes (15)

Head-to-Head:
Top Try Scorers – David Hawkshaw
Top Points – David Kriel (17)

Betting Tips & Prediction

It’s very hard back Connacht at 8/11 when they were 5/2 on Monday, but punters can’t see them losing against a 3rd string Bulls team.

Market	Odds	Pick
Connacht to Win	8/11
Connacht -1 Handicap	10/11
Total Points over 49.5	Evens	Weather dependent
Anytime Try Scorer – Mack Hansen	5/2	Returning Lion magic
Connacht 1-7 Winning Margin	4/1	Tight home win

Prediction: Connacht 27 – 20 Vodacom Bulls

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Cardiff Rugby v Connacht Rugby: URC Round 3 Preview

Venue: Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff
Kick-off: 19:45 (IRE/UK) | 20:45 (ITA/SA)
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 43rd league game)
Assistants: Ben Breakspear (WRU), Lucas Yendle (WRU)
TMO: Stefano Penne (FIR)
Live on: S4C, TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Cardiff Enter New Era After Coaching Change

Cardiff’s narrow 23–20 defeat to Munster at Thomond Park last weekend showed plenty of fight, but it also came during a week of major transition. Head coach Matt Sherratt has departed to join Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching ticket as full-time attack coach after serving as caretaker boss during the Six Nations and summer tour of Japan.

Cardiff are now led on an interim basis by assistants Richie Rees and Richard Hodges, who have been part of the club’s structure for several years. Sherratt’s influence, though brief, gave Cardiff a clearer attacking identity and renewed discipline across the squad.

The Arms Park remains one of the most challenging venues in the URC. Cardiff’s only home defeat in their last four league games came against the Sharks (22–42, January 2025), and they have since won three straight at home — their best sequence since 2022.

However, the Welsh side’s record against Irish opposition remains poor: just two wins in their last 12 meetings, both at home — versus Ulster (October 2024) and Munster (April 2025). They’ll also remember that Connacht beat them three times last season, including twice in the URC and once in the Challenge Cup last 16.

Connacht Eager to Regain Rhythm After Postponement

Connacht’s Round 2 clash with Scarlets was postponed due to Storm Amy, after the visitors’ flight was diverted to Manchester. The cancellation was confirmed late on Friday night, meaning players only found out on Saturday morning.

“A lot of players only found out when they woke up. They were mentally and physically ready. It’s frustrating — especially after such a strong start against Benetton.”
— Stuart Lancaster, Connacht Head Coach

That opening-round victory over Benetton showcased the new structure Lancaster has brought — tighter defence, sharper decision-making, and renewed confidence. Connacht have won their last two URC matches but have not managed three consecutive victories since March 2024, nor back-to-back away wins since 2023.

Their only defeat to a Welsh team since 2021 came in a 40–43 shootout against Ospreys last March. Against Cardiff, Connacht are unbeaten since September 2021 and have wins in their last two visits to the Arms Park.

Team & Injury News

Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki, and Finlay Bealham are all back training but unlikely to feature this week. Josh Ioane and Byron Ralston have returned to full fitness and could be included.

• Niall Murray (ankle) – out several weeks after surgery.
• Oisín Dowling (knee) – sidelined until December.
• Temi Lasisi (knee) – continues rehabilitation.

Cian Prendergast is expected to captain again, with Jack Carty at fly-half and Cathal Forde in midfield.

Handicap (as of Wednesday)

Cardiff –4 v Connacht +4

Cardiff start as narrow favourites at home, but Connacht’s strong record against Welsh opposition could see late support for the visitors as team news emerges on Friday.

Key Stats & Trends

• Cardiff’s only win in their last four URC games came against the Lions (33–20).
• Cardiff have won their last three home matches, their best run since 2022.
• Cardiff’s only home defeat in their last four came to the Sharks (22–42).
• Cardiff have won just two of their last 12 games against Irish provinces.
• Connacht are unbeaten against Cardiff since 2021, with two wins in Cardiff.
• Connacht have won their last two URC games but not three in a row since March 2024.

Prediction

Cardiff’s recent form at the Arms Park makes them a serious proposition, but Connacht’s organisation and defensive edge under Lancaster may once again give them the upper hand. Expect another tight contest decided in the final ten minutes.

Verdict: Connacht by 2 — Jack Carty’s control could be the difference.

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Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has made nine changes to his side for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship Round 2 clash against Scarlets at Dexcom Stadium. Irish internationals Jack Aungier, Darragh Murray and Hugh Gavin return to the squad, while Finn Treacy is set for his first appearance since May.

The betting markets reacted quickly to the announcement, with Connacht moving from -8 to -9 favourites on the handicap. After back-to-back league victories, confidence in Lancaster’s men is rising ahead of Saturday’s early kick-off in Galway.

Team News

Cian Prendergast captains the side on his 88th appearance for the province, lining out in the back row alongside Paul Boyle and Sean Jansen. Murray partners Joe Joyce in the engine room, while the front row is reshaped with long-serving loosehead Denis Buckley joined by Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier.

Behind the scrum, Jack Carty continues at out-half, partnered by scrum-half Ben Murphy. The back three remain unchanged with Sean Naughton at full-back and Chay Mullins and Shayne Bolton on the wings. In midfield, Cathal Forde is paired with David Hawkshaw.

Connacht Rugby Matchday Squad vs Scarlets

15. Sean Naughton (2)
14. Chay Mullins (9)
13. David Hawkshaw (44)
12. Cathal Forde (52)
11. Shayne Bolton (27)
10. Jack Carty (221)
9. Ben Murphy (17)
1. Denis Buckley (265)
2. Dave Heffernan (220)
3. Jack Aungier (88)
4. Darragh Murray (39)
5. Joe Joyce (38)
6. Cian Prendergast (88) (C)
7. Paul Boyle (117)
8. Sean Jansen (27)

Replacements: Eoin de Buitléar, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, David O’Connor, Sean O’Brien, Matthew Devine, Hugh Gavin, Finn Treacy

Lancaster’s View

“I was really pleased with the result last weekend against a really strong Benetton side. There were a lot of positives to take from it, but still plenty to improve on. The energy from the fans was brilliant and we’ll need that same energy on Saturday this time with the earlier start.”

“I know the Scarlets coaching team well and I have a lot of respect for them. Dwayne will have them really well organised and up for the fight and Jarrod is a great defence coach. They more than deserved their play-off chance last season. We’ve made a few changes for the game, it’s exciting to see how the new faces will go.”

Form Guide & Key Stats

• Connacht have won their last two URC fixtures but have not won three in succession since March 2024.
• Connacht have won three of their last four games at Dexcom Stadium.
• Their only defeat to a Welsh region since October 2021 was against Ospreys in March.
• Scarlets are on a run of three straight defeats and risk a fourth, something not seen since May 2024.
• Scarlets’ only win over an Irish province since March 2021 was against Leinster last April.
• Connacht have won the last four meetings between the sides, dating back to 2021.

Betting Update

The handicap line has edged out to Connacht -9 after the team news, with the Westerners boosted by the return of key internationals. Scarlets sit at +9 underdogs, while the total points line remains unchanged at time of writing. Given the Scarlets’ struggles against Irish sides, the market is leaning towards another Connacht win in Galway.

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Connacht v Scarlets URC Preview: Stats, Betting and Video interviews.

URC Round 2 – Dexcom Stadium, Galway
Saturday 4 October, KO 13:45 (IRE/UK)
Live on TG4, Premier Sports, URC.tv

Team News

Cian Prendergast captains the side on his 88th appearance for the province, lining out in the back row alongside Paul Boyle and Sean Jansen. Murray partners Joe Joyce in the engine room, while the front row is reshaped with long-serving loosehead Denis Buckley joined by Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier.

Behind the scrum, Jack Carty continues at out-half, partnered by scrum-half Ben Murphy. The back three remain unchanged with Sean Naughton at full-back and Chay Mullins and Shayne Bolton on the wings. In midfield, Cathal Forde is paired with David Hawkshaw.

Connacht Rugby Matchday Squad vs Scarlets

15. Sean Naughton (2)
14. Chay Mullins (9)
13. David Hawkshaw (44)
12. Cathal Forde (52)
11. Shayne Bolton (27)
10. Jack Carty (221)
9. Ben Murphy (17)
1. Denis Buckley (265)
2. Dave Heffernan (220)
3. Jack Aungier (88)
4. Darragh Murray (39)
5. Joe Joyce (38)
6. Cian Prendergast (88) (C)
7. Paul Boyle (117)
8. Sean Jansen (27)

Replacements: Eoin de Buitléar, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, David O’Connor, Sean O’Brien, Matthew Devine, Hugh Gavin, Finn Treacy

Form & Context

Connacht Rugby are chasing their first run of three consecutive BKT United Rugby Championship victories since March 2024, after edging Benetton 26–15 in round one. Stuart Lancaster’s side showed a marked defensive improvement, a theme the new head coach has been eager to highlight since arriving in Galway.

Scarlets, meanwhile, fell 34–21 at home to Munster, extending their losing run to three matches and leaving them searching for their first win since May 2024. Their poor record against Irish provinces continues, with just one victory since March 2021.

Key Stats to Know

• Connacht have won their last two URC games but not three in succession since March 2024.
• Connacht have won three of their last four home fixtures in the Championship at Dexcom Stadium.
• Connacht’s only defeat to a Welsh side since 2021 was away to Ospreys last March.
• Scarlets have lost three in a row and risk four straight defeats for the first time since May 2024.
• Scarlets’ only victory over an Irish province since March 2021 was a home win against Leinster in April.
• Connacht have won their last four encounters with Scarlets since March 2021.

Quotes

Jack Carty has spoken about the lift under Lancaster: “I wake up every morning and I’m buzzing coming into work, and maybe over the last number of years I may not have been there all the time.”

Stuart Lancaster pointed to defence as the biggest change: “Defensively was the big marker for me compared to last year where you know Connacht would score but then concede tries and lose big games. One of the stats I showed the players from last season was the number of try-saving tackles we made, and I think we’ve equalled it in one game.”

Lancaster added: “Treviso are a very good team, very physical and very big. We kept getting off the line and held our nerve. If you said at the start of the day, when I saw the Treviso team, that we would come away with a bonus point win I would have taken it.”

Recent Meetings

• Scarlets 23–24 Connacht (Parc y Scarlets, Oct 2024)
• Connacht 26–20 Scarlets (Dexcom Stadium, Mar 2024)
• Connacht 36–14 Scarlets (Dexcom Stadium, Oct 2022)
• Scarlets 23–29 Connacht (Parc y Scarlets, Feb 2022)

Key Factors

• Defensive resilience: Connacht conceded just 15 points to a physical Benetton pack in round one.
• Home form: Three wins from their last four URC games at the Dexcom Stadium.
• Scarlets’ travel woes: Only one win away to an Irish side in over three years.
• Returning internationals: Lancaster is expected to strengthen Connacht’s XV with more Irish internationals this weekend.

Betting & Market View

Connacht opened as -10 favourites, a reflection of their home form and Scarlets’ struggles. Punters see Lancaster’s side continuing their strong defensive form, while Scarlets need a big turnaround to stay competitive.

Prediction

Connacht look to be growing into the Lancaster era quickly, with defensive steel and renewed leadership from Carty. Scarlets’ record against Irish sides is a major concern, and their confidence is fragile after three defeats.

Verdict: Connacht to win by 12–15 points, with Scarlets battling but falling short in Galway.

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Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht Revolution? Brutal Stats Show Why Change Happened – and Where They Can Strike in 2025/26

Connacht endured a rollercoaster 2024/25 United Rugby Championship campaign, finishing 13th overall with 6 wins, 12 losses, nine try bonus points, and six losing bonus points. The numbers tell the story of a team that had the platform to compete but too often left results behind — something new head coach Stuart Lancaster will be desperate to fix.

Defensive Steel

Connacht’s defence was one of the best in the URC. They finished with an impressive 88.8% tackle success rate (6th in the league) and a superb 89.7% red-zone tackle success rate. Their maul defence topped the competition at 81%, while they conceded just 61 tries across 18 games – solid numbers for a team outside the top eight.

Lineout Kings

If there was one consistent weapon, it was the set-piece. Connacht’s lineout was the best in the league at 91.4% success, with 23 steals (3rd overall). It provided a strong platform and was the cornerstone of their attack.

Where It All Went Wrong

• Points per 22 entry: Just 2.55 – the lowest in the league.
• Tries per 22 entry: Only 0.42, 14th in the URC.
• Scrum success: 83.3% (15th), losing 17 scrums and conceding penalties.
• Goal kicking: 67.6% accuracy (12th), costing valuable points.
• Kick retention: Dead last at 3.2%, meaning restarts rarely yielded results.

Attacking Threat Still There

Connacht weren’t short on creativity. They ranked 2nd for defenders beaten (475) and made 164 line breaks (6th in URC). When they clicked, they were electric — but too often the killer touch was missing.

Lancaster’s Challenge

Lancaster inherits a team with a rock-solid lineout, top-class maul defence, and huge attacking potential. His task will be clear:

• Tighten the scrum.
• Improve accuracy in the red zone.
• Find a reliable goal kicker.

If those areas are addressed, Connacht could convert narrow defeats into wins and make a serious run for the top eight and a playoff spot in 2025/26.

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Connacht Rugby 2025/26 Season Preview: Lancaster Aiming for Top Eight

If Connacht supporters are searching for reasons to believe after last season’s annus horribilis – six wins, 13th place, and a Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat at home to 14-man Racing 92 – they don’t have to look far.

Lancaster Takes Charge

Stuart Lancaster’s arrival offers a fresh start. The former England boss rebuilt a broken culture before the 2015 World Cup debacle and then spent six hugely influential years at Leinster, transforming them into a URC powerhouse. His Racing 92 stint was brief and forgettable, but Connacht fans will hope that, with a stronger support network in Galway, Lancaster can finally deliver as a head coach.

Squad Changes & New Blood

The squad has seen modest change. Sam Gilbert is the sole professional signing and likely won’t feature until December. Academy promotions for Sean Naughton, Harry West and last year’s standout Finn Tracey freshen up the ranks. The departures of Conor Oliver (Ealing Trailfinders), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), Piers O’Conor (Edinburgh) and Santiago Cordero leave gaps, but Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen remain the key men if fit.

Coaching Ticket & Facilities

Lancaster will work alongside Rob Seib, who will look to sharpen Connacht’s attack this season, as well as province stalwarts John Muldoon and Cully Tucker. This mix of international experience and local knowledge could be vital in making Lancaster’s system stick.

The €40 million redevelopment of Dexcom Stadium has transformed Connacht’s environment. Lancaster has called the new indoor centre “as good as I’ve ever seen,” while the final piece – the North Stand – is due to open in January for the URC clash with Leinster.

Turning the Sportsground into a Fortress

Connacht’s last home URC win came back on March 1st against a depleted Benetton. To reach the URC top eight this season, they’ll need at least ten victories and a strong home record. Lancaster has promised a visible increase in intensity and accuracy in the first five rounds.

Predicted Starting XV vs Benetton

• 1. Peter Dooley
• 2. Dylan Tierney-Martin or Dave Heffernan
• 3. Jack Aungier
• 4. Darragh Murray
• 5. Joe Joyce
• 6. Cian Prendergast (C)
• 7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
• 8. Sean Jansen
• 9. Ben Murphy
• 10. Josh Ioane
• 11. Shayne Bolton
• 12. Hugh Gavin
• 13. Cathal Forde
• 14. Finn Tracey
• 15. Seán Naughton or Shane Jennings

This youthful selection pairs Gavin and Forde in midfield and gives Tracey an early shot on the wing. Ioane’s control at 10 and Jansen’s ball-carrying will be crucial to Connacht’s fortunes.

Targets for 2025/26

A top-eight finish and a home Challenge Cup semi-final would represent a strong first year for Lancaster. Anything less would feel like underachievement given the investment in facilities and the talent at his disposal.

With a balanced coaching ticket, new energy from academy graduates, and a statement stadium redevelopment, Connacht have the tools to make 2025/26 a turning point – if they can marry training intensity with matchday consistency.

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Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed the appointment of Allan Temple Jones as the province’s new Head of Athletic Performance.

Temple Jones brings a wealth of experience across a wide range of rugby codes, with an impressive CV built on elite-level roles in Ireland, South Africa, and the international Sevens scene. He joins a new-look backroom team at Connacht this season, led by Stuart Lancaster and supported by Rob Seib.

Proven Success on the Global Stage

Temple Jones most recently served as head coach of the Ireland Women’s Sevens team, a role in which he guided the side to their first-ever title on the SVNS Series, with a standout victory in Perth in 2024. His leadership also saw the team qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

His latest stint with the Irish Sevens ran for two years, but it was actually his second spell with the programme, having worked as Head of Athletic Performance for the men’s and women’s Sevens teams from 2017 to 2021.

South African Roots, World-Class Pedigree

Between 2021 and 2023, Temple Jones worked with The Sharks in his native South Africa, where he held the position of Athletic Performance Manager. A Durban native, he spent a decade as Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Springbok Sevens, gaining a reputation as one of the best in the business during South Africa’s most successful period at Sevens level.

His achievements include:
– Olympic Bronze Medal
– Commonwealth Gold
– Two World Series Titles

Taking Over from Michael Kiely

Temple Jones replaces Michael Kiely, who departs after three years in the role. Connacht Rugby and the IRFU thanked Kiely for his commitment and contributions, wishing him every success in his next chapter.

A Forward-Focused Appointment

This high-profile appointment signals a serious intent from Connacht and the IRFU to drive elite performance standards heading into the next cycle of domestic and international rugby. With Stuart Lancaster at the helm and Rob Seib also part of the coaching ticket, Temple Jones joins a team determined to bring silverware west of the Shannon.

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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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The guidelines have been published by both World Rugby and International Rugby Players (IRP), and is supported by national players’ associations, national unions, international and domestic competitions, top coaches and clubs.

They focus on the intensity and frequency of contact training that rugby players undertake throughout their careers.

Full contact training is recommended to be limited to a maximum of 15 minutes per week across a maximum of two days per week with Mondays and Fridays comprising zero full contact training to allow for recovery and preparation.

Other recommended limits include a 40-minute cap on controlled contact training per week and a 30-minute restriction on live set-piece training.

World Rugby Director of Rugby and High Performance and former Ireland coach Joe Schmidt added: “Training has increasingly played an important role in injury prevention as well as performance.

“While there is a lot less full-contact training than many people might imagine, it is our hope that having a central set of guidelines will further inform players and coaches of key considerations for any contact that is done during training.

“These new guidelines, developed by leading experts and supported by the game, are by necessity a work in progress and will be monitored and further researched to understand the positive impact on player welfare. We are encouraged by the response that we have received so far.

“We recognise that community-level rugby can be an almost entirely different sport in terms of fitness levels, resources and how players can be expected to train, but the guidelines can be applied at many levels, especially the planning, purpose and monitoring of any contact in training.”

Leinster coach Stuart Lancaster, who was involved in reviewing the study and advising the development of the guidelines, said: “We have a responsibility to make the game as safe as possible for all our players. For coaches, optimising training plays a significant role in achieving that objective.

“It is important that we do not overdo contact load across the week in order that players are fresh, injury-free and ready for match days. These guidelines provide a practical and impactful approach to this central area of player preparation and management.”

Ireland international and IRP Head of Strategic Projects and Research Sene Naoupu said: “While this is the first step of the implementation and monitoring process, it is an incredible outcome that shows just how much players care about this area.

“It also provides a foundation to review and determine the future direction of implementation across the game, within an evidence-based injury-prevention programme for performance and welfare.”

The guidelines will feature in the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cup player welfare standards.

World Rugby is also working on a “wide-ranging study of the impact of replacements on injury risk in the sport with the University of Bath in England.”

All of these activities will inform the decisions the sport makes to advance welfare for players at all levels and stages.

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