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Edinburgh Rugby v Connacht Rugby Preview: Play-Off Rugby, Pressure and a Season on the Line

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:33:05 +0000

Edinburgh Rugby v Connacht Rugby Preview: Play-Off Rugby, Pressure and a Season on the Line

Connacht travel to Hive Stadium knowing only a win will keep their URC play-off hopes alive after a remarkable late-season surge under Stuart Lancaster.

BKT United Rugby Championship Friday, 15 May Kick-off: 7.45pm Irish time Venue: Hive Stadium, Edinburgh Live: Premier Sports, TG4, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Connacht sit 9th in the URC table, just one point outside the top eight. A win in Edinburgh is essential if they are to keep alive their hopes of knockout rugby and Champions Cup qualification.

Final-Day Drama as Connacht Chase the Top Eight

Friday night at Hive Stadium feels like one of the biggest Connacht Rugby games in years.

A packed travelling support is expected in Edinburgh. The URC table is unbelievably tight. Champions Cup qualification remains alive. Knockout rugby is still possible. And after looking dead and buried earlier in the season, Connacht suddenly arrive in Scotland as arguably the form team in the entire league.

The equation is straightforward enough.

Win first. Then hope results elsewhere fall into place.

Connacht head into the final round of the BKT United Rugby Championship sitting 9th on 49 points, just a single point outside the top eight. Cardiff Rugby and Ulster Rugby both sit on 50, while Munster are on 51 ahead of their huge clash with the Lions.

It is one of the tightest URC finishes in years. Just two points separate the top three teams in the competition, while only a bonus-point win separates 4th place from 9th. Five teams are battling for four remaining play-off spots, and across the league almost every game on Friday night carries massive consequences.

For Connacht, though, none of it matters unless they beat Edinburgh.

7Wins in last 8 URC games

1Point outside the top eight

5Points from 4th to 9th

-5Connacht handicap after market move

From Nearly Out to One of the Form Teams in the URC

What makes Connacht’s current position remarkable is how unlikely it looked only a few months ago.

At the beginning of 2026, the play-offs genuinely seemed gone. Performances were inconsistent, away form was poor, injuries were mounting, and the season looked like it was drifting towards a disappointing mid-table finish.

Instead, Stuart Lancaster’s side have completely transformed their campaign.

Connacht arrive in Edinburgh having won seven of their last eight URC matches, a run that has reignited belief throughout the province and dragged them back into the race for knockout rugby.

Date	Opposition	Venue	Result	For	Against
13 March 2026	Scarlets	Dexcom Stadium	Won	31	14
20 March 2026	Ulster	Aviva Stadium	Won	26	19
28 March 2026	Ospreys	Dexcom Stadium	Won	21	14
18 April 2026	DHL Stormers	DHL Stadium	Won	33	24
25 April 2026	Lions	Ellis Park	Lost	21	33
9 May 2026	Munster	Dexcom Stadium	Won	26	7

That late-season surge has completely changed the mood around the club. The away win over the DHL Stormers in Cape Town was arguably Connacht’s standout performance under Lancaster so far, while last weekend’s dismantling of Munster felt like a statement that this side now genuinely belongs in the play-off conversation.

More importantly, Connacht suddenly look balanced. Earlier in the season there were times they looked loose defensively and vulnerable physically. Over the last two months, though, they have become much harder to break down.

Cian Prendergast has emerged as one of the best back-row forwards in the league, Shamus Hurley-Langton continues to produce massive defensive shifts, while Sean Jansen’s carrying and breakdown work has become central to Connacht’s pack.

Behind them, Ben Murphy has brought calm control at scrum-half, while Bundee Aki’s influence and leadership have grown enormously during the run-in.

There is now a genuine sense that Lancaster’s systems are finally fully bedding in.

Hive Stadium Has Historically Been a Problem

Despite Connacht’s form, travelling to Edinburgh is still one of the tougher assignments in the URC.

Connacht have won just once in their last nine trips to Scotland in the competition — a 37-26 win over Edinburgh back in October 2020.

Recent meetings between the sides show how difficult this fixture has been:

Date	Fixture	Venue	Score
25 October 2020	Edinburgh v Connacht	Murrayfield	26-37
13 March 2021	Connacht v Edinburgh	Dexcom Stadium	14-15
4 March 2022	Edinburgh v Connacht	Hive Stadium	56-8
25 March 2023	Connacht v Edinburgh	Dexcom Stadium	41-26
11 November 2023	Edinburgh v Connacht	Hive Stadium	25-22
10 May 2025	Connacht v Edinburgh	Dexcom Stadium	21-31

Connacht’s only victory in the last five meetings came in Galway in March 2023. That 56-8 defeat at Hive Stadium in 2022 still stands out as one of Connacht’s worst URC performances in recent memory.

Edinburgh themselves also arrive in strong form, winning four consecutive URC games heading into Friday night.

Markets Swing Heavily Towards Connacht

One of the most interesting developments this week has been the reaction from bookmakers following the team announcements.

Connacht initially opened as only slight favourites at around -1, but the line quickly moved to -5 , and now after Edinburgh named a notably young side there is even a feeling in some markets that the handicap could move further before kick-off depending on late money and confidence around Connacht’s selection.

That is a huge shift for an away side travelling to Scotland and highlights how strongly people now rate Connacht’s current form.

It also reflects the make-up of the Edinburgh squad. The Scots have named a side with an average age of just 25, while seven players in the matchday 23 are aged 21 or under. Fifteen members of the squad came through Edinburgh’s academy system.

That youth gives Edinburgh energy and enthusiasm, but also inexperience in a high-pressure game against a side fighting for its season.

Edinburgh’s “Change The Game” Night Adds Emotion

Friday’s match is Edinburgh Rugby’s annual “Change The Game” fixture, with the club hoping to raise a landmark £70,000 for official charity partner It’s Good 2 Give.

That should create an excellent atmosphere at Hive Stadium, especially with Connacht supporters expected to travel in big numbers.

Sean Everitt’s side have made four changes, with Magnus Bradbury returning at number 8, Marshall Sykes coming into the second row, Tom Dodd starting at blindside flanker, and Piers O’Conor coming into midfield.

Grant Gilchrist misses out through injury after suffering a finger issue last weekend against Dragons RFC.

Even with the youthful selection, Edinburgh remain dangerous at home and have already beaten strong sides there this season.

Mikey Yarr’s Potential Debut Adds a Brilliant Storyline

One of the standout inclusions in Connacht’s squad is academy hooker Mikey Yarr, who could make his senior debut from the bench.

Yarr is a player highly regarded throughout Irish rugby circles. The former Blackrock College player represented Ireland U20s across two separate seasons, something relatively uncommon at that level, but his progress was badly interrupted by a serious injury around the Junior World Cup that kept him sidelined until November.

Since returning, there has been huge positivity around his performances in training.

By all accounts, Yarr has been ripping it up over the last few months and now finds himself potentially one substitution away from a senior debut in one of Connacht’s most important matches in recent seasons.

It is the kind of storyline rugby supporters love. A young academy player battling back from injury. Knockout rugby on the line. A huge away crowd. Massive pressure. And possibly a first cap in Scotland.

Lancaster Keeps Changes Minimal

Connacht make just three changes from the side that demolished Munster last weekend.

Injuries to Dylan Tierney-Martin and Darragh Murray force Eoin de Buitléar and Joe Joyce into the starting pack, while British & Irish Lion Finlay Bealham returns at tighthead prop.

Otherwise, Lancaster sticks with continuity and momentum.

Connacht Rugby Team

15. Sam Gilbert
14. Shane Jennings
13. Harry West
12. Bundee Aki
11. Shayne Bolton
10. Josh Ioane
9. Ben Murphy

1. Billy Bohan
2. Eoin de Buitléar
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Joe Joyce
5. Josh Murphy
6. Cian Prendergast (C)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Sean Jansen

Replacements: Mikey Yarr*, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, David O’Connor, Paul Boyle, Matthew Devine, Jack Carty, Seán Naughton.

The bench could be hugely important. Jack Carty’s experience may become critical in a tight final quarter, while Paul Boyle and Sam Illo offer major impact against a young Edinburgh pack.

Final Weekend Chaos Across the URC

The wider URC picture only adds to the drama.

Glasgow Warriors and DHL Stormers are separated by one point at the top.
Leinster still have a chance of finishing top two.
Munster host the Lions in a huge play-off clash.
Cardiff, Ulster and Connacht are separated by a single point.
Two home quarter-final spots remain up for grabs.
Champions Cup qualification remains completely open.

This is exactly what the URC wants its final weekend to look like: meaningful rugby everywhere.

Prediction

Connacht are arriving at exactly the right time.

Seven wins from eight matches. Confidence restored. Physicality improved. A settled spine through the team. Genuine momentum behind them.

Edinburgh’s young squad will bring energy and emotion, especially at home, but Connacht now look like a side that understands how it wants to play.

The biggest question is whether they can finally handle the pressure of expectation away from home in a game everyone expects them to win.

If they produce anything close to the intensity they showed against Munster, they should have enough quality and experience to edge it.

Prediction: Edinburgh Rugby 19-28 Connacht Rugby

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Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:57:07 +0000

Beirne to Captain Lions Against Waratahs – Irish Contingent Strong for Sydney Showdown

Tadhg Beirne will lead the British & Irish Lions into their next Tour match this Saturday as Andy Farrell’s men take on the New South Wales Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney (KO 11:00 BST).

The Munster and Ireland talisman steps into the captaincy role as Maro Itoje is rested, with Beirne joined in the second row by James Ryan, forming an all-Irish engine room.

The selection represents a major chance for several Irish players to push their claims for inclusion in the Test squad to face Australia — with many eyes on Mack Hansen, Hugo Keenan, Finlay Bealham, and Josh van der Flier.

Big Test for Mack, Fitness Watch for Hugo, Bealham in Test Frame

Mack Hansen gets the nod on the wing and will be eager to show the cutting edge that made him a fan favourite during the 2023 Six Nations. It’s a big opportunity to see if he can transfer his form to the Lions stage.

Hugo Keenan starts at full-back in what will be his Lions debut. The Leinster man is returning from injury and this will be a key outing to assess his match fitness before a potential test role against the Wallabies.

Finlay Bealham continues to press hard. With Tadhg Furlong still finding top gear, another strong performance from Bealham could edge him into the 23 for the First Test. Dan Sheehan and Furlong are also among a powerful Irish bench.

In total, 10 Irish players feature in the matchday squad.

Lions XV to Face New South Wales Waratahs

British & Irish Lions v NSW Waratahs
Saturday 6th July 2025 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 11:00am BST | Live on Sky Sports

Starting XV:

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) Debut
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #867
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #878
12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #863
11. Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/ Scotland) Debut
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints/ England) #862
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/ England) #860
1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby/ Scotland) #868
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks/ England) #851
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht Rugby/ Ireland) #856
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/ Ireland) #838 (c)
5. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #880
6. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints/ England) #865
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #874
8. Ben Earl (Saracens/ England) #857

Replacements:

16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #873
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/ England) #859
18. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #818
19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster Rugby/ Ireland) #871
20. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors/ Scotland) #869
21. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/ Wales) #861
22. Ben White (Toulon/ Scotland)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins/ England) #855

Squad Update: Daly Out, Farrell In

Elliot Daly has been ruled out of the rest of the Tour after fracturing his forearm against the Queensland Reds. Owen Farrell has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad in Sydney on Friday evening.

Farrell, Lion #780, returns for his fourth Tour after making 18 Lions appearances between 2013 and 2021. The 33-year-old is England’s record points scorer.

Andy Farrell: “It is heartbreaking for the group that Elliot’s Tour is over. He is a Lions legend and has added so much to the group both on and off the field.”

Tour Manager Ieuan Evans: “Elliot is a wonderful Lion and a world-class player who will be sorely missed. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”

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British & Irish Lions 2025 Squad Announced: 15 Irish Named, Just 2 Welsh as Squad Signals Shift in Power

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:52:55 +0000

British & Irish Lions 2025 Squad Announced: 15 Irish Named, Just 2 Welsh as Squad Signals Shift in Power

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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URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash

JoeNa Connacht — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:57:52 +0000

Opinion: URC Dream Over — Connacht Must Shake Things Up for Challenge Cup Knockout Clash

A record-breaking crowd of 27,500 packed into Hastings Insurance MacHale Park last Saturday night, hopeful of witnessing Connacht Rugby land a statement win over Munster. Instead, they left deflated, as Connacht suffered a 24-30 defeat, a result that officially ended their URC play-off hopes in front of their biggest-ever home crowd.

Off the field the day was a celebration of rugby in the west of Ireland but on the field it became another chapter in a frustrating, inconsistent season.

But while the URC dream is gone, Connacht’s season is far from finished.

This Saturday, Connacht face Cardiff at The Sportsground in the Challenge Cup Last 16 — a knockout clash that now defines their year. Win, and Connacht will host a European quarter-final against Racing 92 or Perpignan. Lose, and the season is over.

That’s why selection this week is crucial. Connacht need to change the formula. They can’t keep rolling out the same players who look mentally and physically drained. It’s time to freshen things up, back the wider squad, and give the fans something to believe in.

The Connacht XV I’d Start Against Cardiff

Here’s the team I would select — a side built on freshness, form, and hunger:

Starting XV

1. Peter Dooley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Joe Joyce
5. Niall Murray
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Sean Jansen
9. Colm Reilly
10. Josh Ioane
11. Finn Treacy
12. Cathal Forde
13. Piers O’Conor
14. Mack Hansen
15. Shane Jennings

Replacements

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
17. Denis Buckley
18. Jack Aungier
19. Darragh Murray
20. Paul Boyle
21. Matthew Devine
22. JJ Hanrahan
23. David Hawkshaw

Why this team?

This isn’t about disrespecting senior players — it’s about giving Connacht the best chance of keeping their season alive.

The side that lost to Munster last weekend needs changing. They’ve carried the load all year and it showed. Connacht need to bring fresh legs, fresh energy, and fearless players ready to scrap for every inch.

This team blends youth, form and physicality:

Shane Jennings at full-back: One of Connacht’s brightest young talents. I think he is injury free.
Mack Hansen back on the wing: World-class in broken play.
Treacy on the other wing: Raw, hungry and deserves his shot.
Forde & O’Conor in midfield: Direct, physical, with plenty to prove. Give Bundee and Gavin a rest and possibly bring them back for quarter-final
Ioane & Reilly at half-back: Blade may need a break. These two can bring spark. Reilly deserves a chance and Devine is there to come on any time.
A proper, physical pack: Joe Joyce and Niall Murray in the engine room, with Murphy at 6 to bring a hard edge alongside Hurley-Langton and Jansen.

The bench is loaded with experienced heads to close the game out.

The bottom line

Connacht’s URC campaign is over — but their season is not.

This Saturday’s Challenge Cup Last 16 knockout at home to Cardiff is everything now. Win, and they will host a European quarter-final in Galway. Lose, and it’s all over.

The time for caution and conservatism is gone.
It’s time to back the squad, trust the fresh legs, and change the mood.

Fresh faces. Fresh energy. A fresh approach.
Connacht’s season depends on it.

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Connacht Rugby announce 21 Contracts

JoeNa Connacht — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 15:48:20 +0000

Connacht Rugby has announced 21 contracts, big names include Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane and Finlay Bealham who have signed for another year.

Niall Murray who is sponsored by SportsNewsIRELAND also had his contract extended. In all 19 players from the existing Professional squad have renewed deals for next season while a further two players, Oran McNulty and Cian Prendergast, have been promoted from the Connacht Academy.

Today’s announcement includes four Irish internationals – Finlay Bealham, Jack Carty, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan – while joint-leading Guinness PRO14 try scorer Alex Wootton has signed on a permanent contract having joined on loan from Munster last summer. Quin Roux looks to be the major name that has not signed a contract.

List of Connacht Players who have represented Ireland in the professional era
Commenting on today’s announcement, Head Coach Andy Friend says:

“I am delighted to see so many of our current crop of players sign on for another season. This is still a very challenging time for everyone in Irish Rugby so to have them commit to Connacht Rugby again says it all about the belief we have as a group to continue the progress we’re making.

17 of the 21 players were once part of the Connacht Academy, and in that group we have a mix of established Irish internationals, experienced players within the province and plenty of young players still in the early stages of their careers.

I have been very impressed by Cian Prendergast and Oran McNulty, and their first Professional contracts is the culmination of years of work from grassroots level to where they are now. Congratulations not just to them but their parents, coaches and all the other volunteers who helped them along the way.

We are continuing to shape the squad for next season, with further discussions ongoing, and supporters should expect more positive news in the weeks and months ahead.”

Connacht Rugby’s retention and recruitment remains ongoing and further announcements will be made in due course.

CONFIRMED NEW CONTRACTS FOR 2021-22

Finlay BEALHAM
Paul BOYLE
Denis BUCKLEY
Matthew BURKE
Jack CARTY
Shane DELAHUNT
Ultan DILLANE
Jordan DUGGAN
Conor FITZGERALD
Dave HEFFERNAN
Eoghan MASTERSON
Sean MASTERSON
Oran MCNULTY
Niall MURRAY
Conor OLIVER
John PORCH
Cian PRENDERGAST
Colm REILLY
Peter SULLIVAN
Gavin THORNBURY
Alex WOOTTON

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