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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