Can Stuart Lancaster’s side balance URC commitments with a return to the Champions Cup?
Connacht may soon realize that a successful campaign can bring its own challenges. Last season’s eighth place finish guaranteed the Irish side a place in the URC play-offs and this season’s Champions Cup, but how will Stuart Lancaster’s men cope with the added burden of Europe’s premier club competition? That remains to be seen, but with some talented Irish internationals in the squad – including new recruit Ciarán Frawley – few opposition sides will fancy a trip to the Dexcom Stadium.
Below we rule on Connacht’s chances this year. The world of rugby will also have season previews for everyone United Rugby Championship and Gallagher PREM sides from now until the big kick-off on Friday 25th September.
Connacht discussions
This is a ‘judge me now’ campaign for Stuart Lancaster after a solid first campaign in the west. The former England, Leinster and Racing coach achieved his primary goals last season of the URC play-offs and a return to the Champions Cup with a team largely inherited from Andy Friend.
Twelve months ago, No.8 Sean Jansen insisted Connacht were capable of being a “top four”. Although they finished eighth in the URC standings, they were only a point behind fifth-placed Munster.
The challenge for Connacht is to improve on that while dealing with the added demands of pool ties with Saracens, Toulouse and Exeter in their European adventures.
A key player
Sean Jansen was a model of consistency last season. He was rewarded with a Test debut against Japan and another outing against his native New Zealand in the summer. One of the best signings in the province in recent years, the extremely physical No.8 may have to juggle club rugby with an extended presence in the Ireland set-up.
Connacht No.8 Sean Jansen has forced his way into Andy Farrell’s national team plans (Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
One to watch
Connacht have made some smart signings and promoted a number of promising academy players. Their key acquisition is obvious Ciaran Frawley. The 28-year-old fly-half joins from Leinster to shake up his international career – he started for Ireland in their summer win over Japan, a match that also saw Connacht props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo make their Test debuts. An excellent clutch player and tactical operator, Frawley will battle with Josh Ioane for the outside-half role.
Trainer box
Lancaster leads in his second season in Galway. There have been some personnel changes, with backs coach Rod Seib replaced by Harlequins’ Gerard Mullen and Cullie Tucker leaving to become Ireland U20 head coach. Trevor Woodman replaces Tucker as scrum coach – “Everyone told me to bring a rain jacket,” says the former World Cup winner.
Prediction for Connacht 2026-27
With the added demands of a Champions Cup, a fifth or sixth, and a bid to win the away play-offs, it could be the pinnacle of Connacht’s URC ambitions.
Connacht 2026-27 quotas
66-1
Vital statistics
Connacht captain Cian Prendergast won the most URCs (12) among Irish provinces last season.
Will Ciarán Frawley’s move from Leinster increase his claim to the Ireland number 10 shirt? (Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Connacht signings
- Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)
- Will Connors (Leinster)
- Jerry Cahir (Leinster)
- François van Wyk (Bath)
- Tom Connolly (Old Belvedere)
- Billy Bohan (promoted from academy)
- Fiachna Barrett (promoted from academy)
- Seán Naughton (advanced from academy)
- Matthew Victory (advanced from academy)
Connacht ddepartures
- Peter Dooley (Leinster)
- Jack Aungier (Munster)
- Joe Joyce (Gloucester)
- Matthew Devine (Ulster)
- Chay Mullins (Ulster)
- Jack Carty (retired)
- Denis Buckley (released)
- Temi Lasisi (published)
- David Hawkshaw (published)
- Oisín Dowling (published)
- Oisín McCormack (published)
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