Connacht Rugby have confirmed the exciting signing of New Zealand back Sam Gilbert from Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders, ahead of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season.

The 26-year-old arrives with a proven pedigree from the southern hemisphere, having made 56 appearances in Super Rugby for the Dunedin-based Highlanders. Across those games, Gilbert racked up over 320 points and crossed for 13 tries, underlining his consistency and attacking threat.

A product of Canterbury’s provincial system, Gilbert began his senior career as an out-half before developing into a dynamic and adaptable backline player. This season, he has primarily featured at full-back for the Highlanders, taking on kicking duties and showcasing his strong boot under pressure. However, his versatility has seen him cover multiple positions including inside centre, wing, and fly-half — making him a valuable asset for any squad.

All Blacks XV and Provincial Impact

Gilbert’s impressive form earned him selection for the All Blacks XV in 2024, where he made two appearances off the bench in their tour of Japan. Though he hasn’t yet received a full All Blacks cap, his involvement at that level highlights his international potential.

Domestically, he has also been a regular presence in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC), where he represented Otago 27 times between 2020 and 2024, scoring six tries.

Gilbert Excited for the Move to Galway

Speaking about the move, Sam Gilbert said:

“I’m delighted to be joining Connacht Rugby and take on a new challenge. I’ve loved my time with the Highlanders and will always be grateful for what the club has done for me!

After speaking with Connacht I believe this is the perfect club for me moving forward in my career.

They play a brand of rugby that is entertaining and exactly how I want to play the game, and I know there’s the new HPC and stadium which looks incredibly exciting too.

I can’t wait to make the move, get settled in the province and meet my new teammates and wider staff and supporters in the months ahead.”

A Strategic Signing for Connacht

Gilbert’s signing directly addresses two key areas Connacht have been looking to strengthen — full-back and goal-kicking. With his strong tactical awareness, reliable boot, and experience at the highest level of club rugby, the New Zealander is expected to make a major impact at The Sportsground.

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The 2025 British & Irish Lions squad has been officially announced — and it’s already sparking major talking points across the rugby world. Ireland lead the way with 15 players selected, followed by 13 from England, 8 from Scotland, and just 2 from Wales in a striking shift that underlines changing fortunes among the Home Nations.

Connacht stars Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen headline the Irish contingent, with their inclusions marking a major achievement for the western province — equalling Wales in representation. Many fans will feel for Finlay Bealham, who narrowly missed out despite consistent international form.

In a surprise twist, none of Ireland’s out-halves made the cut, meaning there’s no room for the likes of Jack Crowley or Ross Byrne. With the next Lions tour not until 2029, their chance will have to wait.

Irish Dominance in the Forwards

The Lions forwards feature a dominant Irish presence with Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, and Joe McCarthy all making the cut. Josh van der Flier also earns his place after another standout season.

Firepower in the Backs

The backs offer a blend of experience and flair. Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose provide midfield solidity, with Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe, and Mack Hansen adding firepower out wide.

Nation Breakdown:

• Ireland: 15 players
• England: 13 players
• Scotland: 8 players
• Wales: 2 players

Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan are the only Welshmen included, capping a difficult cycle for Welsh rugby.

Notable Debutants

There are 19 Lions debutants overall, signalling a bold new direction under the tour’s leadership. Maro Itoje will captain the side, bringing authority and experience to a squad brimming with potential.

As anticipation builds for the summer tour, this selection highlights Ireland’s continued rise on the international stage and offers a glimpse into the next generation of Lions stars.

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Friday night lights return to Thomond Park as Munster welcome Ulster in a mouth-watering BKT United Rugby Championship Round 17 clash (7.35pm, live on RTÉ and Premier Sports). With five changes to their starting line-up and home advantage, Graham Rowntree’s men look in prime position to cover the -7 handicap, which is shaping up as one of the weekend’s best rugby bets.

Munster Team News: Five Big Names Return

Munster head coach Graham Rowntree has brought Stephen Archer, Jean Kleyn, Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Diarmuid Kilgallen back into the starting XV after their gritty win over Cardiff. Thaakir Abrahams moves to full-back, forming a dangerous back three alongside Calvin Nash and Kilgallen. This is one of the strongest Munster teams to be selected all season.

The midfield remains settled with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their partnership, while Jack Crowley and Craig Casey form a sharp half-back pairing. Up front, Michael Milne earns his second start alongside experienced campaigners Niall Scannell and Archer.

Kleyn and Tadhg Beirne, who captains the side, anchor the second row, with a robust back-row trio of O’Mahony, Hodnett and Coombes providing firepower at the breakdown.

Ulster Team News: Henderson Returns but Key Questions Remain

Richie Murphy welcomes back Iain Henderson from injury to captain the side and pair up with Cormac Izuchukwu in the second row. Rob Baloucoune returns on the wing, while Michael Lowry starts at full-back after concussion protocols. However, Ulster remain inconsistent on the road and have won just one of their last four away games in the URC.

In the backline, Nathan Doak and Jack Murphy continue at 9 and 10, while the experienced Stuart McCloskey teams up with Jude Postlethwaite in midfield. With Jacob Stockdale and Baloucoune out wide, Ulster’s back three can threaten but could struggle for clean ball against Munster’s aggressive pack.

Betting Tips: Munster -7 Looks a Very Strong Play

Thomond Park is a fortress and Munster have covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 home URC matches. With several key starters returning and momentum building ahead of the playoffs, Munster -7 is a bet with excellent value. Ulster’s form is patchy and they’ve failed to win at Thomond in their last four visits.

Verdict: Back Munster -7 on the handicap at around 10/11 (1.91). Expect a fired-up home performance and a potential double-digit margin.

Match Details

• Fixture: Munster v Ulster
• Competition: BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 17
• Venue: Thomond Park, Limerick
• Date: Friday, 9 May
• Kick-off: 7.35pm
• Live: RTÉ & Premier Sports
• Referee: Adam Jones (WRU)

Munster Team: 15. Thaakir Abrahams 14. Calvin Nash 13. Tom Farrell 12. Alex Nankivell 11. Diarmuid Kilgallen 10. Jack Crowley 9. Craig Casey 1. Michael Milne 2. Niall Scannell 3. Stephen Archer 4. Jean Kleyn 5. Tadhg Beirne (Captain) 6. Peter O’Mahony 7. John Hodnett 8. Gavin Coombes Replacements: 16. Lee Barron 17. Josh Wycherley 18. John Ryan 19. Fineen Wycherley 20. Tom Ahern 21. Alex Kendellen 22. Conor Murray 23. Seán O’Brien Ulster Team: 15. Michael Lowry 14. Rob Baloucoune 13. Jude Postlethwaite 12. Stuart McCloskey 11. Jacob Stockdale 10. Jack Murphy 9. Nathan Doak 1. Andrew Warwick 2. Rob Herring 3. Scott Wilson 4. Iain Henderson (Captain) 5. Cormac Izuchukwu 6. Matty Rea 7. Nick Timoney 8. James McNabney Replacements: 16. Tom Stewart 17. Callum Reid 18. Tom O’Toole 19. Alan O’Connor 20. David McCann 21. Dave Shanahan 22. Stewart Moore 23. Werner Kok

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Leinster Rugby have confirmed a significant squad reshuffle heading into the 2025/26 campaign, with ten players set to move on from the province at the conclusion of the current season.

Among the most high-profile exits is veteran prop Cian Healy, who will retire after a glittering career that saw him earn over 120 caps for Ireland and become a cornerstone of Leinster’s front row for more than 15 years. His departure marks the end of an era.

Ross Byrne, a mainstay at out-half in recent years, will join English Premiership outfit Gloucester Rugby, in a move that offers a fresh challenge after falling down the pecking order at both Leinster and Ireland level.

Michael Milne and Lee Barron will both make the switch to Munster Rugby, continuing the growing trend of interprovincial transfers. Milne, in particular, is seen as a valuable addition to Munster’s scrum depth.

Meanwhile, winger Rob Russell is linked with a potential move to Ulster or Connacht, though no confirmation has been made. The same applies to Rory Maguire, Ben Brownlee, Aitzol Arenzana-King, and Liam Turner, all of whom are exploring new opportunities with their destinations yet to be finalised. These younger players have largely featured in the Leinster academy system or as fringe squad members, and their departures may offer increased game time elsewhere.

One of the more unexpected developments is the status of Jordie Barrett, the New Zealand international who had been rumoured to be joining Leinster in 2024. However, reports now suggest that plans have changed and Barrett will no longer be linking up with the province, though his next move remains unconfirmed.

Full List of Leinster Rugby Departures (2025):

1. Cian Healy – Retiring
2. Ross Byrne – Gloucester Rugby
3. Michael Milne – Munster Rugby
4. Lee Barron – Munster Rugby
5. Rob Russell – Linked with Ulster or Connacht
6. Rory Maguire – Destination Unknown
7. Ben Brownlee – Destination Unknown
8. Aitzol Arenzana-King – Destination Unknown
9. Liam Turner – Destination Unknown
10. Jordie Barrett

This wave of departures opens the door for a new generation of Leinster talent to emerge, while also providing a reminder of the changing landscape of Irish rugby, where interprovincial and international moves are becoming more common.

As Leinster prepare for the 2025/26 season, fans will be watching closely to see how head coach Leo Cullen reshapes the squad, particularly in the wake of such significant experience exiting the setup.

Stay tuned to SportsNewsIRELAND.com for more Irish rugby transfer news and analysis.

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Live Sport on TV this Week:

Tuesday
3:30pm – Punchestown Racing – RTÉ2

Wednesday
3:30pm – Punchestown – RTÉ2
7:30pm – Donegal v Tyrone – TG4
7:30pm – Louth v Meath – TG4 App
7:30pm – Mayo v Roscommon – TG4 Y
8:00pm – Barcelona v Inter – RTÉ2

Thursday
3:30pm – Punchestown – RTÉ2

Friday
2:00pm – Newmarket Racing – Virgin 1
4:00pm – Punchestown – RTÉ2
7:45pm – Sligo v Drogheda – Virgin 2

Saturday
12pm – Diamond League Athletics Vir 2
3:35pm – 2000 Guineas – Virgin 1
5:30pm – Leinster v Northamp’ – RTÉ2
6:00pm – Waterford v Limerick – GAA+
7:00pm – Snooker Semi-Final – BBC2
11:00pm – Kentucky Derby – Virgin 2

Sunday
1:45pm – Kerry v Clare – RTÉ2
3:00pm – Bordeaux v Toulouse – Prem1
3:35pm – 1000 Guineas – Virgin 1
4:00pm – Galway v Mayo – RTÉ2
7:00pm – World Snooker Final – BBC2

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Play-off spots are on the line, and the latest projections from the league’s official model have been met with an intriguing comparison — from none other than rugby journalist Joe Naughton, posting as @JoeNaConnacht.

Known for his sharp analysis and independent insights, Naughton has shared his own forecast for the URC play-offs — and it’s making waves.

Agreement at the Top: Five Teams Locked In

Both Naughton and the URC agree: Leinster, Bulls, Glasgow, Sharks, and the Stormers are virtual certainties for the play-offs. All five sit at 100% qualification odds in Joe Naughton’s table (except the Stormers at 95% in the URC model), with Leinster expected to hit a staggering 81–82 points.

This shared confidence in the top five highlights a clear tier of elite performers who’ve separated themselves from the pack.

Where the Models Diverge: Connacht, Ulster & Benetton

The biggest talking point is Connacht. While the URC model puts their play-off chances at just 16%, Joe Naughton gives them a far healthier 40% with a projected finish of 47–50 points. This discrepancy reflects a difference in how the two models assess fixture difficulty and current form.

Benetton sees the opposite trend — URC is far more optimistic at 63%, compared to Naughton’s 40%. For Ulster, it’s another wide gap: 10% in the JoeNaConnacht model versus 34% in the URC’s forecast.

Crunching the Middle Pack

Teams like Cardiff land in the middle across both models: 34–35% play-off probability depending on the source. But others, like Scarlets (5% JNC vs 17% URC) and Edinburgh (40% URC, not listed in JNC’s top dozen), show clear differences in interpretation.

Naughton’s model seems more conservative — based heavily on points forecasts and potential match-ups — whereas the URC appears to hold out hope for late-season swings.

Long Shots and No Hopes

Both models rule out the same three sides: Zebre, Dragons, and Ospreys, each given 0% play-off probability. That leaves just a few fringe teams hanging on by a thread — notably Lions, Ulster, and Scarlets — but the gap in their respective odds hints at deeper disagreement between forecasting methods.

Verdict: A Journalist’s Eye vs The Official Line

Joe Naughton’s predictive model brings clarity, simplicity, and a sharper edge to forecasting. It avoids false hope and presents a straight-talking view of who’s really in the hunt. The URC model, meanwhile, keeps more teams alive on paper, appealing to fans dreaming of a dramatic final push.

As the regular season hits its final rounds, both models will be put to the test — but for fans who want no-nonsense, evidence-based insight, JoeNaConnacht is the one to watch.

Follow @JoeNaConnacht on X for more exclusive rugby analysis, fixture predictions, and statistical breakdowns as the URC heads into the final stretch.

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After the match Mack Hansen expressed the feeling of frustration with the season but happiness to get the win “We haven’t given our fans a lot to cheer about this season but we really believe we can win this competition, we feel we have turned a corner and we are ready to win this. We are not just here to compete.”

The result not only keep the dream of a home semi-final intact but could also provides a much-needed financial boost heading into the summer.

With JJ Hanrahan on his way to Munster and Santi Cordero unlikely to stay, the win strengthens the case for reinforcements at both out-half and full-back. Recruitment in these key positions will be essential if Connacht are to going to finish in the top 8 next season and would significantly help filling the new stadium.

Up next is a mammoth test: Racing 92.

While the Parisians are still technically involved in a relegation scrap in the Top 14, their squad depth and recent form suggest they should pull clear. More importantly, they’ll view the Champions Cup as a prime target — a chance to salvage their season and make a deep run in Europe.

Expect star names on show: Owen Farrell, Gaël Fickou, Romain Taofifénua, Tristan Tedder, Guram Gogichashvili, and Jordan Joseph are all expected to feature. It’s one of the most formidable squads in club rugby, and Connacht will need to be at their absolute best to match them.

However, the Dexcom will play its part. Home advantage is a major factor in knockout rugby, and if Connacht can clean up the errors from recent weeks, they have every chance of pulling off an upset. That said, most bookies will likely install Racing 92 as strong favourites, with an expected handicap around -9, which would put Connacht around 3/1 outsiders.

Whether that’s generous or fair remains to be seen — but Connacht fans will be dreaming of another famous European night in Galway.

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