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Articles by Daithi Boland
Gallery: Connacht v Zebre
Make a Day of It: What’s On at Dexcom Stadium This Matchday
Farrell names 8 Connacht players in his Ireland Squad For Nations Championship Series
Head Coach Andy Farrell has named a 36-man Ireland squad, _sponsored by Vodafone_ , for the upcoming Nations Championship Northern Hemisphere Series at Aviva Stadium this November. Ireland will resume their Nations Championship campaign against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa in Dublin, with Dan Sheehan named to captain the squad. Farrell has included two uncapped players in the panel, with Ulster’s Jamie Benson and James McNabney rewarded with their first senior call-ups.
Gallery: Connacht v Saracens
Make a Day of It: What’s On at Dexcom Stadium This Matchday
Make a Day of It: What’s On at Dexcom Stadium This Matchday
Everything you need to know before kick-off. Fans attending Saturday night's EPCR game v Saracens can enjoy a packed matchday schedule at Dexcom Stadium, with the Fan Plaza, Players' Walk, Pre-match Player meet and greet and half-time Connacht Rugby 'Catch' plus post game entertainment. Whether you’re a season ticket holder or coming along for the first time, we’ve plenty lined up to help you make an evening of it.
Gallery: Connacht Pro12 10 Year Anniversay
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Eagles squad named to play Munster Development XV
The Connacht Eagles have named their squad for tomorrow's meeting with Munster Development XV at Thomond Park (k/o at 1pm). The Eagles squad features a number of players from the Connacht Rugby academy, including Bobby Power, Diarmaid O'Connell and Max Flynn. Three players who recently lined out for the pro team in their pre-season friendlies. CONNACHT EAGLES VS MUNSTER DEVELOPMENT XV: Saturday 18th September, 1pm, Thomond Park 15. Cian Brady 14. Aiden Vetjens 13. Darragh Glennon 12. Sean Walsh 11.
Team announcement: Connacht v Ealing Trailfinders
Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named a 27-man squad for tomorrow's pre-season friendly outing against Ealing Trailfinders in Dexcom Stadium (k/o 5pm). With the first competitive action now on the horizon, Saturday’s fixture provides another valuable opportunity for the Connacht squad to build ahead of the opening round game of the URC against Stormers at home. New signing Francois Van Wyk starts and Cathal Forde returns to action for the first time since April.
Eagles Team Announcement: Connacht Eagles v Ulster Development
The Connacht Eagles have named their squad for Saturday’s meeting with Ulster Development at Dexcom Stadium (k/o at 2pm). The fixture forms part of an exciting double-header at Dexcom Stadium this Saturday, giving Connacht supporters the chance to take in two games of rugby in one afternoon. The Eagles squad features a number of players from the Connacht Rugby academy, including Charlie Keane, Daniel Ryan and Sean Walsh who played for Ireland U20s in the recent U20 World Cup.
Jansen, Bohan and Illo set for Ireland debuts
Head Coach Andy Farrell has named the Ireland Match Day Squad for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash against Japan in Newcastle (Kick-off 8.10pm local time/11.10am Irish time). After opening their Nations Championship campaign with a bonus-point win over Australia in Sydney last weekend, Ireland make the short trip to Newcastle for a Round 2 encounter against the Brave Blossoms at McDonald Jones Stadium this weekend.
Cooper, Keane and Walsh all start for Ireland U20s against USA
Head Coach Andrew Browne has named the Ireland U20s Match Day Squad, for Tuesday’s final Pool game of the World Rugby Junior World Championship against USA (Kick-off 1pm local time/10am Irish time). Ben Blaney captains the side from the back row, with Daniel Green named at full-back and Charlie Molony and Johnny O’Sullivan on the wings. Charlie O’Shea starts at out-half and is partnered by Christopher Barrett at scrum-half, while Rob Carney and Sean Walsh are selected in midfield.
Ireland v Japan: Tickets On Sale Now
UPDATE: TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT EARLY BIRD PRICES. KICK-OFF IS AT 12.45PM, AND SECURE YOUR SPOT HERE. --- Ireland Women will kick off the inaugural WXV Global Series with a busy Autumn schedule, as Scott Bemand’s side return to action on home soil against USA and Japan before taking on South Africa in Cape Town.
Ireland U20 squad named for opening game of Junior World Championship
Head Coach Andrew Browne has named the Ireland Men’s U20s Match Day Squad for Saturday’s opening World Rugby Junior World Championship clash against England in Georgia. Ireland kick off their Pool C campaign against familiar Six Nations rivals at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi (Kick-off 12.30pm Irish time), with Saturday’s match live on Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV. Sami Bishti captains the side from tighthead prop as Browne's squad look to make a strong start to the tournament.
Andy Farrell names 6 Connacht players in his Irish squad
Head Coach Andy Farrell has named the Ireland Men’s Squad for the upcoming Nations Championship Southern Hemisphere Series. Ireland will kick off the inaugural Nations Championship against Australia, Japan and New Zealand in July, with Farrell selecting a 36-player squad to travel to Sydney on Monday. Caelan Doris will captain the Ireland squad, which includes the uncapped Connacht trio of Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Sean Jansen.
Ireland women's team to face Japan at Dexcom Stadium
Ireland Women will kick off the inaugural WXV Global Series with a busy Autumn schedule, as Scott Bemand’s side return to action on home soil against USA and Japan before taking on South Africa in Cape Town. Following the recent history-breaking Guinness Women’s Six Nations campaign, Ireland now turn their attention to World Rugby’s new WXV Global Series, which will see the top 12 teams in the world compete in a home-and-away touring model within the September and October international window.
5 Connacht players named in Irish U20 World Cup squad
Head Coach Andrew Browne has today named the Ireland Men’s U20s Squad, for the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship in Georgia. Ireland have been drawn in Pool C alongside Argentina, England and USA for this summer’s tournament and will play all their Pool matches at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi.
Women's Interpro fixtures announced
The IRFU is delighted to confirm that TG4 will once again broadcast the tournament on their Spórt TG4 YouTube channel. The opening round takes place on Saturday, 8 August, with Munster hosting Leinster while Ulster welcome Connacht. One week later, on 15 August, Leinster face Connacht and Munster take on Ulster in Round 2 action.
Connacht Women's coaching team confirmed
Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the appointment of its new-look coaching team for the senior Women’s team ahead of the upcoming 2026 Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship. The ticket will be led by Craig Hansberry who has been appointed Head Coach, replacing Emer O’Dowd following the completion of her two years in the role. Supporting Craig will be two coaches who need no introduction to the women’s game, in former Ireland internationals Larissa Muldoon and Fiona Hayes.
Awards Ball winners | 18th May 2026 | News
Congratulations to all the winners at the 2026 Connacht Rugby Awards. A wonderful night of celebration, where attendees let their hair down after a hard year of work on and off the field.
Parsons starts against Scotland
Ireland conclude their 2026 Championship campaign at the Home of Irish Rugby, the first ever standalone Women’s Six Nations match at Aviva Stadium, and over 30,000 tickets have now been sold for the Round 5 clash. Bemand has named an unchanged backline from last weekend’s win over Wales in Belfast, with Stacey Flood, Béibhinn Parsonsand Robyn O’Connor retained in Ireland’s back three.
Ireland U21 squad named
Ireland have won their opening two matches of the inaugural U21 Women’s Six Nations Series after a home win over Italy at Dexcom Stadium in Galway and last week’s superb 41-40 victory over England in Coventry. Teni Onigbode, Katie Corrigan and Emily Foley start in Ireland’s back three for the trip to Wales, with captain Lucia Linn once again partnering Niamh Murphy in midfield. Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton switches back to out-half for Sunday, lining up outside Aoibhe Kelly at scrum-half.
Parsons starts for Ireland against Wales
Following last week’s down weekend, Ireland conclude their 2026 Championship with back-to-back home fixtures, starting with Saturday’s visit of Wales to Belfast. Bemand has named an unchanged back three of Stacey Flood, Béibhinn Parsons and Robyn O’Connor, as Eve Higgins comes in to link up with Aoife Dalton in midfield, while in the half backs, Emily Lane and Dannah O’Brien are selected at scrum-half and out-half respectively.
7 Connacht players named in Ireland U21 squad
Following an emphatic 55-8 win over Italy in their U21 Women’s Six Nations Series opener against Italy at Dexcom Stadium, Ireland continue their campaign with an away trip to Butts Park Arena this Saturday, live on the U20 Six Nations YouTube channel. Munster’s Lucia Linn once again captains the side from midfield, with Briggs and the Ireland Coaching Team presenting members of the wider squad with opportunities to impress in green in Round 2.
Connacht Eagles squad v Munster 'A'
The Connacht Eagles matchday squad has been named for tomorrow's clash with Munster 'A' at Dexcom Stadium (k/o 2pm). Entry to the game is free. Academy back rower Max Flynn captains the side, while Pro players Chay Mullins and Sean O'Brien start. CONNACHT EAGLES SQUAD: 15. Cian Brady – Galwegians RFC 14. Chay Mullins – Corinthians RFC 13. Thomas Cotton – Buccaneers RFC 12. Tom Waters – Corinthians RFC 11. Daniel Ryan – Corinthians RFC 10. Conor O'Shaughnessy – Galwegians RFC 9.
Ireland U21 squad named with Connacht players included
Munster centre Lucia Linn will captain the side as they begin their inaugural U21 Women’s Six Nations Series campaign on home soil as part of an exciting double-header ahead of Ireland’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations clash with Italy in Galway.
Squad Update | 31st March 2026 | News | Connacht Rugby
Sam Gilbert and Dylan Tierney-Martin have both returned to full training and are available for selection this weekend. Finn Treacy (hamstring) and Oisin McCormack (shoulder) are unavailable, with a timeline on their return to be determined, while Sean Jansen (calf) is due to return to selection availability ahead of the upcoming games in South Africa. No updates: Temi Lasisi, Oisin Dowling, Caolin Blade, Hugh Gavin, David Hawkshaw, Byron Ralston, Mack Hansen, Harry West.
7 Connacht players named in Ireland U21 squad
Following the success of the U20 Women’s Summer Series in recent years, the introduction of this new tournament, which will see Ireland face Italy, England and Wales in three home and away fixtures, adds further opportunity for young players in green along the underage pathway. Briggs has selected a squad of 35 players for the Series, with Munster’s Lucia Linn named to captain the side.
5 Connacht players named in Ireland Six Nations squad
Captain Erin King will lead the group into the 2026 Championship, which gets underway on Saturday, 11 April as Ireland travel to London to face England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (Kick-off 2.45pm). Following a three-day connection camp at the IRFU High Performance Centre in Dublin in January, Bemand has named nine uncapped players in the squad, which was unveiled today at a Squad Announcement and Media Day at the Aon Ireland HQ in Dublin.
Bemand signs contract extension as Ireland Head Coach through to Women's Rugby World Cup 2029
The IRFU is delighted to announce that Scott Bemand has signed a contract extension to remain as Ireland Head Coach until Women's Rugby World Cup 2029. In charge since August 2021, Bemand has spearheaded a period of exciting growth and evolution for the squad and news of his commitment to the programme for a further three years is a welcome boost ahead of the Guinness Women's Six Nations next month.
Sean Jansen: Leading try scorer in the URC
Amid his mum’s misgivings, Sean Jansen was something of a late starter in rugby, but he is certainly making up for lost time now. The Connacht Rugby No 8 is the top try scorer in the BKT URC this season having touched down twice in last weekend’s victory over the Scarlets to take his tally to eight. He has also had his first taste of the international arena with Ireland A as he sets his sights on his ultimate dream of wearing the famous green jersey on the Test stage.
Darragh Murray in line for Six Nations debut
Captain Caelan Doris leads Ireland into the Round 5 showdown. Jamie Osborne, Rob Baloucoune and Tommy O’Brien start in Ireland’s back three, with Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose once again named in the midfield, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley link up in the half-backs. In the pack, Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are named in the front row, with Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.
O'Connell and Ryan start for the Irish U20s | 5th March 2026 | News
Head Coach Andrew Browne has named the Ireland U20s Match Day Squad, for Saturday night's U20s Six Nations clash against Wales at Virgin Media Park (Kick-off 7.45pm). After a superb victory over England in Bath last time out, Ireland continue their Championship campaign against Wales in Cork, with the match live on Virgin Media Two and BBC iPlayer.
Farrell names team to face Wales | 4th March 2026 | News
Following a bonus point win in London last time out, Ireland return home to Aviva Stadium to continue their Championship campaign against Wales, with two players in line for milestone caps. Jamison Gibson-Park will win his 50th Test cap in green, while uncapped Ulster scrum-half Nathan Doak is in line for his Ireland debut off the bench. Also among the replacements are Ulster’s Tom Stewart and Munster centre Tom Farrell, who are both set for their first Six Nations appearance.
Rod Seib to depart Connacht Rugby at the end of the season | 2nd March 2026 | News
We can confirm that Rod Seib will leave his role as attack coach with Connacht Rugby at the end of the season, to take up a new coaching opportunity abroad. We would like to thank Rod for all his efforts and his contribution this season, and we wish him and his family all the best in his new role.
Ireland squad update | 23rd February 2026 | News
The Ireland squad will gather for a two-day camp in Dublin on Wednesday as preparations continue ahead of the Round 4 Guinness Men’s Six Nations clash against Wales at Aviva Stadium on Friday, 6th March (kick off 8.10pm). James Lowe (groin) will continue to be monitored by the medical team, while Jack Conan (illness) will return to training this week after missing the 42-21 victory over England.
Finlay named in the Irish squad to face England | 19th February 2026 | News
Head Coach Andy Farrell has named the Ireland Match Day Squad, for Saturday's Guinness Men's Six Nations clash against England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (Kick-off 2.10pm). Caelan Doris will lead the side for the Round 3 clash in London, as Ireland bid to build on last Saturday's defeat of Italy at Aviva Stadium. Jamie Osborne, Robert Baloucoune and James Lowe are named in an unchanged back three, with Stuart McCloskey and Garry Ringrose continuing in midfield.
Browne selects his U20 side to face England | 18th February 2026 | News
Following last week’s win over Italy at Virgin Media Park, Ireland travel to Bath for their Round 3 clash on Friday night. Browne has named an unchanged backline, with Noah Byrne, Derry Moloney and Daniel Ryan continuing in Ireland’s back three as James O’Leary and Rob Carney start in midfield. Scrum-half Christopher Barrett once again partners Tom Wood in the half-backs.
Farrell names squad to face Italy | 12th February 2026 | News
Ireland return home for their first 2026 Championship clash in Dublin, with Caelan Doris named to captain the side once again and Munster’s uncapped second row Edwin Edogbo in line for his Test debut in green off the bench. Edogbo has impressed the Coaching Team in camp in recent weeks and earns his place in the Match Day 23 for the first time, having this season returned from a long injury lay-off to score three tries in nine Munster appearances.
O'Connell and Ryan start for Irish U20s | 11th February 2026 | News
After opening their Championship in France last week, Ireland U20s – captained by Sami Bishti – return home to Cork aiming for their first win of the campaign. Noah Byrne, Derry Moloney and Daniel Ryan start in Ireland’s back three, with James O’Leary partnering Rob Carney in midfield. Christopher Barrett and Tom Wood continue in the half-backs at scrum-half and out-half respectively.
Three Academy players sign pro contracts | 30th January 2026 | News
Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce that three Connacht Academy players - Fiachna Barrett, Seán Naughton and Matthew Victory - have signed their first professional contracts for the 2026/27 season. A native of Geesala Co.Mayo, Barrett is a powerful tighthead prop who has gained significant exposure to the Pro environment in the past 18 months.
Team announcement: Zebre v Connacht | 30th January 2026 | News
Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for tomorrow’s visit to Zebre Parma in the BKT United Rugby Championship (k/o 3pm Irish time). Five changes from Leinster game Duggan, Aungier, Joyce, O’Brien and Mullins come into side Boyle named captain There are five changes from the side that started last week’s historic fixture with Leinster at Dexcom Stadium.
Bolton and O'Brien renew deals | 29th January 2026 | News
Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce further contract extensions for winger Shayne Bolton and back rower Seán O’Brien. Bolton joined Connacht in 2021 originally as a centre, but has since excelled as one of the most explosive and powerful wingers in Irish rugby. With 12 tries in 32 appearances for Connacht, he has become a fan favourite with his physical abilities and direct running style.
Three players sign contract extensions | 28th January 2026 | News
Connacht Rugby have continued preparations for next season by announcing contract extensions for three home-grown players - Darragh Murray, Cathal Forde and John Devine. Murray and Forde have both signed two-year deals while John Devine has renewed for the 2026/27 season. A product of the Connacht pathway system at Buccaneers RFC and the Connacht Academy, Darragh Murray has made 51 appearances for the club since his debut in October 2022 against Ospreys.
Will Connors signs for Connacht Rugby | 27th January 2026 | News
Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of Irish international flanker Will Connors from Leinster Rugby, ahead of the 2026/27 season. The 29-year old has signed a two-year deal and will provide Stuart Lancaster and his coaching team with further depth in the back row. Connors made his senior Leinster debut in February 2018 away to Edinburgh, and since then has made 62 appearances for his home province, which included a start in the 2024 Champions Cup final against Toulouse.
Ireland squad for Six Nations named | 21st January 2026 | News
Ireland Head Coach Andy Farrell has today named a 37-player squad, for the 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations. Farrell's side open their 2026 Championship against France at Stade de France on Thursday, 5 February (Kick-off 8.10pm Irish time). Caelan Doris will once again captain Ireland, while Farrell has named two uncapped players in the squad.
Francois Van Wyk signs for Connacht Rugby | 21st January 2026 | News
Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of vastly experienced loosehead prop Francois Van Wyk from Bath Rugby. Van Wyk will arrive next season following over 100 appearances in the English league, across 9 seasons at Bath, Leicester and Northampton. He featured 28 times for Bath last season, helping them to secure the Gallagher Premiership title, and has remained an ever-present member of the matchday 23 this season.
O'Connell and Ryan named in Irish U20 squad | 20th January 2026 | News
Head Coach Andrew Browne has today named his Ireland Men's U20s Squad, for the upcoming 2026 Men's U20s Six Nations. Browne who is our Elite Player Development Officer at Connacht Rugby has selected a panel of 29 players and named Leinster tighthead prop Sami Bishti as captain for the 2026 Championship, which gets underway with a Round 1 clash against France in Perpignan on Saturday, 7 February.
Gallery: Connacht v Montauban | 19th January 2026 | News
Some of the best shtos from our 75-14 win over French side Montauban in the Challenge Cup.
Bemand names Ireland Women's squad for training camp | 12th January 2026 | News
Head Coach Scott Bemand has selected 37 players for a three-day training camp as the Ireland Women's squad, launch their preparations for the Guinness Women's Six Nations. The extended panel assembled at the IRFU High Performance Centre on Monday to reconnect as a group following Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 and turn their attention to the 2026 Championship, which begins against England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday, 11 April.
Squad Update | 30th December 2025 | News | Connacht Rugby
The Connacht management team have released the latest squad update ahead of Saturday’s URC interpro with Leinster. Hugh Gavin (shoulder) was withdrawn from selection last week after an injury in training, and is unavailable this week. Meanwhile Shamus Hurley-Langton (shoulder) underwent surgery last week, and is expected to return to availability in March.
Gallery: Connacht v Black Lion | 15th December 2025 | News
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