rugby fixtures Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/tag/rugby-fixtures Sports News, Live GAA scores, GAA fixtures Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:26:32 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/www.sportsnewsireland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/sni-icon.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 rugby fixtures Archives - SportsNewsIreland https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/tag/rugby-fixtures 32 32 229439223 Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/connacht-unchanged-in-the-backs-as-wilkins-names-strong-squad-for-ospreys-test https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/connacht-unchanged-in-the-backs-as-wilkins-names-strong-squad-for-ospreys-test#respond Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:26:32 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33480 Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test Connacht have named their matchday 23 for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash away to the Ospreys (kick-off 5.15pm), with just three changes from the side that overcame Benetton three weeks ago. There is continuity across the backline, as head coach Pete […]

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]]> Connacht Unchanged in the Backs as Wilkins Names Strong Squad for Ospreys Test

Connacht have named their matchday 23 for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship clash away to the Ospreys (kick-off 5.15pm), with just three changes from the side that overcame Benetton three weeks ago.

There is continuity across the backline, as head coach Pete Wilkins sticks with the same seven backs for the second consecutive league fixture — a rare show of consistency in selection that reflects growing cohesion in the attacking unit.

Josh Ioane and Caolin Blade continue as the half-back pairing, with Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin retained in midfield. Shayne Bolton and Finn Treacy remain on the wings, while Piers O’Conor lines out at full-back once again.

Up front, Denis Buckley returns to the starting XV and is joined in the front row by Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier. Captain Joe Joyce comes back into the engine room alongside Darragh Murray, while Josh Murphy joins Shamus Hurley-Langton and Paul Boyle in a physical and mobile back row.

There’s also a clear intent to match Ospreys physically, with a 6:2 forwards-to-backs split named on the bench. Sean Jansen, typically a back row option, takes the number 23 jersey, highlighting the tactical focus for this crucial away fixture.

Away Form Must Improve

Connacht’s only away win in the league since April 2024 came against the Scarlets back in early October. Since then, results on the road have been inconsistent — a trend that must change if the province are to stay in touch with the playoff places.

With a massive fixture against Cardiff to follow next week — set to be played at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar — Wilkins and his staff will be eager to carry momentum into the home stretch of the season.

A defeat in Swansea could force selection changes for the Connacht leg of that double-header, while a victory would put Connacht slightly back in the mix for a top-eight finish.

Connacht Matchday 23 vs Ospreys (Saturday, 5.15pm):

15. Piers O’Conor
14. Finn Treacy
13. Hugh Gavin
12. Cathal Forde
11. Shayne Bolton
10. Josh Ioane
9. Caolin Blade

1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Jack Aungier
4. Joe Joyce (Captain)
5. Darragh Murray
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Paul Boyle

Replacements:
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
17. Peter Dooley
18. Sam Illo
19. Niall Murray
20. Cian Prendergast
21. Conor Oliver
22. Tom Farrell
23. Sean Jansen

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/connacht-unchanged-in-the-backs-as-wilkins-names-strong-squad-for-ospreys-test/feed 0 33480 Aviva Stadium to Host Majority of Leinster Home Games in 2025/26 – Season Tickets from €115 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/aviva-stadium-to-host-majority-of-leinster-home-games-in-2025-26-season-tickets-from-e115 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/aviva-stadium-to-host-majority-of-leinster-home-games-in-2025-26-season-tickets-from-e115#respond Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:10:38 +0000 https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=33323   Aviva Stadium to Host Majority of Leinster Home Games in 2025/26 – Season Tickets from €115 Leinster Rugby has today announced Season Ticket details for the 2025/26 campaign, confirming that the Aviva Stadium will remain the primary venue for home fixtures in the BKT United Rugby Championship and the Investec Champions Cup. Croke Park […]

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Aviva Stadium to Host Majority of Leinster Home Games in 2025/26 – Season Tickets from €115

Leinster Rugby has today announced Season Ticket details for the 2025/26 campaign, confirming that the Aviva Stadium will remain the primary venue for home fixtures in the BKT United Rugby Championship and the Investec Champions Cup. Croke Park will also be available to host additional high-capacity matches when required.

As part of a broader communication to Season Ticket Holders, the following key updates were confirmed:

  • The RDS Arena will reopen at the beginning of the 2026/27 season with an increased capacity of over 20,000.
  • For the 2025/26 season, the Aviva Stadium will host the majority of home games.
  • Ticket prices will increase by an average of 3.9% across most categories—the first rise since the 2018/19 season.
  • Junior Season Ticket prices remain frozen at €115, with lower-cost entry points for adults and families also retained.

Why the Aviva Stadium Remains the Home Base for Now

Matthew Dowling, Leinster Rugby’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained the decision:

“While the RDS Arena will be available from August 2025, we’d only be able to operate at a reduced capacity—not enough to accommodate our full Season Ticket base. We’ve grown from 12,248 Season Ticket Holders at the RDS to over 15,000 at the Aviva. The aim is to include as many supporters as possible at every game.”

He continued:

“We don’t want to disenfranchise any of our Season Ticket Holders—whether they’ve been with us for 12 years or just joined—so we’ve decided to wait until the new-look RDS Arena is fully complete before moving back.”

Ticket Pricing and Supporter Engagement

Dowling said pricing decisions were made following supporter feedback through the annual Leinster Listener survey and discussions with the Official Leinster Supporters Club (OLSC).

“We’ve extended the renewal window, retained entry-level pricing for adults and juniors, and kept the family-of-five and student ticket options that were well received. Unfortunately, operational costs have increased, and after holding prices steady for over six years, we’ve had to implement a modest average increase of under 4%—but junior prices remain untouched.”

He reaffirmed that Leinster Rugby is a not-for-profit organisation:

“All revenue is reinvested—whether it’s supporting over 39,000 registered players across our 12 counties or funding the pathway from grassroots to the professional game.”

The Road Back to the RDS Arena

Looking ahead, Dowling outlined plans for the transition back to the redeveloped RDS Arena in 2026/27:

“The new stadium will have capacity for over 20,000 and promises a brilliant match day experience. Our priority will be the supporters who were with us before the move to Aviva. We’ve engaged a world-renowned consultancy to manage this return and ensure fairness for newer fans too.”

He also expressed gratitude to key partners for their ongoing support:

“We’re thankful to the RDS, IRFU, FAI, Aviva Stadium, and the GAA for their help in managing our home fixtures this season and next.”

Season Ticket Benefits

In addition to access to all home URC and EPCR fixtures, Season Tickets will include:

  • Admission to all home Leinster Rugby Women’s games.
  • Access to Leinster Rugby ‘A’ matches in the new interprovincial series (excluding play-offs).

Key Dates for Season Ticket Holders

  • Renewal window: Friday, 14 March – Friday, 4 April 2025
  • Seat relocation option: Tuesday, 8 April 2025
  • Waiting list sales: Thursday, 17 April 2025
  • General public sale: Wednesday, 23 April 2025

A Strong Season On and Off the Pitch

Dowling concluded with a reflection on what has been a standout season so far:

“The Aviva and Croke Park have been brilliant hosts. We’ve averaged over 37,000 supporters at home games. Tania Rosser’s squad kicked off the season with an interpro title and a record crowd at Energia Park. Leo Cullen’s team has continued that momentum and remains unbeaten across both the URC and the Investec Champions Cup.”

“With a return to the RDS Arena on the horizon, this is a hugely exciting time for Leinster Rugby—and we can’t wait to share that journey with our supporters.”

The Season Ticket renewal window opens on Friday, 14 March 2025, with general sale starting Wednesday, 23 April 2025.

 

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]]> https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/aviva-stadium-to-host-majority-of-leinster-home-games-in-2025-26-season-tickets-from-e115/feed 0 33323 Connacht Rugby 2020/21 List of Pro14 Fixtures https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/connacht-2020-21-pro14-fixtures https://www.sportsnewsireland.com/rugby/rugby_irish/connacht-2020-21-pro14-fixtures#respond Mon, 28 Sep 2020 10:15:03 +0000 http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/?p=8668 Connacht Rugby’s first eleven 2020/21 Pro14 fixtures have been confirmed. The new season begins on the 3rd of October at home to Glasgow. This year, a new slot for games has been added on Monday nights. However, Connacht’s scheduled games remain on the traditional days of Saturday and Sunday. Andy Friend called the fixture list […]

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]]> Connacht Rugby’s first eleven 2020/21 Pro14 fixtures have been confirmed. The new season begins on the 3rd of October at home to Glasgow. This year, a new slot for games has been added on Monday nights. However, Connacht’s scheduled games remain on the traditional days of Saturday and Sunday.

Andy Friend called the fixture list “exciting” and looks to build on their fourth place finish in Conference B last season. In fact, Friend confessed that his team have ambitions to earn themselves a home play-off in this campaign. In this case, it will be important to hit the ground running.

So far, the League have only announced the first eleven rounds. This is because the two South African based teams, the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs, are subject to travel restrictions. If allowed, they will join the League in 2021 for the remaining rounds.

Connacht’s inter-provincial ties all come at the end of the campaign. Specifically, they will play the three Irish provinces in succession. Firstly, they host Ulster in the Christmas special on the 26/27th of December. Secondly, they ring in the New Year by traveling to Leinster on the 2nd/3rd of January. Then, a week later they host Munster on the 9/10th of January.

Of course, Connacht have qualified for the Heineken Cup this season also. As a result, their Pool games in this competition will interrupt the Pro14 in December. In the new format of this competition, Connacht will be guaranteed four group games against teams outside of the Pro14.

The 2020/21 season opener is just a week away. The quick turnaround following last season will benefit Connacht who hit the ground running following the restart.

Here are the confirmed Connacht 2020/21 Pro14 fixtures.

https://3.249.64.60/rugby/rugby_irish/rob-kearneys-retirement-leaves-a-gap-in-the-irish-team/

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1308777145607557120

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1308753625116704773

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