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The Connacht Branch of the IRFU, as well as the provincial team, was founded in 1885. The team was formed to compete with [[Leinster Rugby|Leinster]], [[Munster Rugby|Munster]] and [[Ulster Rugby|Ulster]], whose teams had been formed ten years earlier in 1875. The province is currently made up of 4 [[All-Ireland League (rugby union)|All-Ireland League]] clubs, 20 'junior' clubs and 4 'mini' rugby clubs.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://domestic.connachtrugby.ie/Clubs/ | work=Connacht Rugby | title=Clubs | accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref>
The Connacht Branch of the IRFU, as well as the provincial team, was founded in 1885. The team was formed to compete with [[Leinster Rugby|Leinster]], [[Munster Rugby|Munster]] and [[Ulster Rugby|Ulster]], whose teams had been formed ten years earlier in 1875. The province is currently made up of 4 [[All-Ireland League (rugby union)|All-Ireland League]] clubs, 20 'junior' clubs and 4 'mini' rugby clubs.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://domestic.connachtrugby.ie/Clubs/ | work=Connacht Rugby | title=Clubs | accessdate=30 October 2013}}</ref>


Connacht was the first ever Irish provincial team to win in France and England in 1997. Connacht were quarter-finalists in the [[European Challenge Cup]] in [[1997–98 European Challenge Cup|1997–98]]. In the next four Challenge Cups, however, Connacht failed to make it out of the pool stages. In 2001, a new competition called the [[Pro12|Celtic League]] was created to serve as a domestic league for Irish, [[Scottish Rugby Union|Scottish]] and [[Welsh Rugby Union|Welsh]] clubs. Connacht made it to the quarter-finals of the [[2001-02 Celtic League|inaugural season]]. They were beaten by Scotland's [[Glasgow Warriors]] by a score of 29-34. In [[2002–03 Celtic League|2002-03]] the team again reached the quarters. This time, however, they were beaten by a much greater margin, by Irish rivals Munster, with the final score being 33-3.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/2648.php?section=overview&fixid=52 | work=RaboDirect Pro12 | title=Play-Off History | accessdate =26 October 2013}}</ref> Meanwhile in the [[2002-03 European Challenge Cup]], they reached the quarter-finals, being knocked out by a margin of 8 points over two legs, against Welsh team [[Pontypridd RFC|Pontypridd]].
Connacht was the first ever Irish provincial team to win in France and England in 1997. Connacht were quarter-finalists in the [[European Challenge Cup]] in [[1997–98 European Challenge Cup|1997–98]]. In the next four Challenge Cups, however, Connacht failed to make it out of the pool stages. In 2001, a new competition called the [[Celtic League]] was created to serve as a domestic league for Irish, [[Scottish Rugby Union|Scottish]] and [[Welsh Rugby Union|Welsh]] clubs. Connacht made it to the quarter-finals of the [[2001-02 Celtic League|inaugural season]]. They were beaten by Scotland's [[Glasgow Warriors]] by a score of 29-34. In [[2002–03 Celtic League|2002-03]] the team again reached the quarters. This time, however, they were beaten by a much greater margin, by Irish rivals Munster, with the final score being 33-3.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.rabodirectpro12.com/matchcentre/2648.php?section=overview&fixid=52 | work=RaboDirect Pro12 | title=Play-Off History | accessdate =26 October 2013}}</ref> Meanwhile in the [[2002-03 European Challenge Cup]], they reached the quarter-finals, being knocked out by a margin of 8 points over two legs, against Welsh team [[Pontypridd RFC|Pontypridd]].


The IRFU proposed shutting down Connacht Rugby as a professional team in 2003 to cut costs, in light of the IRFU's annual deficit of €4 million. This was averted when a public protest with 2,000 fans marching on the IRFU headquarters in Dublin, coupled with the possibility of a strike by the [[Irish Rugby Union Players Association]], forced the IRFU to reverse course and maintain Connacht Rugby.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/celtic/2691457.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Connacht fans in IRFU protest | date=24 January 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/03/31/designing-the-future-of-connacht-rugby/ | work=The Roar | title=Designing the future of Connacht Rugby | date=31 March 2010}}</ref>
The IRFU proposed shutting down Connacht Rugby as a professional team in 2003 to cut costs, in light of the IRFU's annual deficit of €4 million. This was averted when a public protest with 2,000 fans marching on the IRFU headquarters in Dublin, coupled with the possibility of a strike by the [[Irish Rugby Union Players Association]], forced the IRFU to reverse course and maintain Connacht Rugby.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/celtic/2691457.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=Connacht fans in IRFU protest | date=24 January 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/03/31/designing-the-future-of-connacht-rugby/ | work=The Roar | title=Designing the future of Connacht Rugby | date=31 March 2010}}</ref>
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===Michael Bradley era (2003-2010)===
===Michael Bradley era (2003-2010)===


[[Michael Bradley (rugby union)|Michael Bradley]] took charge of Connacht in 2003, coming in from the Irish under-age set up to replace Steph Nel.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/1468.php#.UqzTjtJdXgw | work=Munster Rugby | title=Michael Bradley to Replace Steph Nel at Connacht | date=28 April 2003}}</ref> In Bradley's first [[2003–04 Celtic League|Celtic League season]], Connacht finished ninth from 12 teams, ahead of only the Scottish sides, but 2003–04 was the most successful season in European competition in the province's history. Connacht reached the semifinals of that year's [[2003–04 European Challenge Cup|European Challenge Cup]], and came within touching distance of the final, but a try from the [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] centre [[Will Greenwood]], 12 minutes from time in the second leg of their semi-final, denied them a place in the final. Connacht also got to the semi-final of the Celtic Cup. The following season Connacht fell further in the Celtic League, finishing on place off the bottom in [[2004–05 Celtic League|2004-05]], in what was now an 11 team competition. Despite this the team continued their European form in the [[2004-05 European Challenge Cup]], reaching the semi-finals again. Once again, they were knocked out over two legs by the eventual winners of the competition, this time [[Sale Sharks]].
[[Michael Bradley (rugby union)|Michael Bradley]] took charge of Connacht in 2003, coming in from the Irish under-age set up to replace Steph Nel.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/1468.php#.UqzTjtJdXgw | work=Munster Rugby | title=Michael Bradley to Replace Steph Nel at Connacht | date=28 April 2003}}</ref> In Bradley's first [[2003–04 Celtic League|Celtic League season]], Connacht finished ninth from 12 teams, ahead of only the Scottish sides, but 2003–04 was the most successful season in European competition in the province's history. Connacht reached the semifinals of that year's [[2003–04 European Challenge Cup|European Challenge Cup]], and came within touching distance of the final, but a try from the [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] centre [[Will Greenwood]], 12 minutes from time in the second leg of their semi-final, denied them a place in the final. Connacht also got to the semi-final of the Celtic Cup. The following season [[Andrew Farley]] was made captain, but Connacht fell further in the Celtic League, finishing one place from the bottom in [[2004–05 Celtic League|2004-05]], in what was now an 11 team competition. Despite this the team continued their European form in the [[2004-05 European Challenge Cup]], reaching the semi-finals again. Once again, they were knocked out over two legs by the eventual winners of the competition, this time [[Sale Sharks]].


Connacht continued to struggle in the Celtic League in the following seasons, finishing in 10th place from 11 again, in both the [[2005–06 Celtic League|2005-06]] and [[2006–07 Celtic League|2006-07]] seasons. In these seasons, however their European form could not cover over the cracks, as Connacht were knocked out out in the quarter-finals of the [[2005–06 European Challenge Cup|2005-06 Challenge Cup]] in a 23-3 defeat to [[Newcastle Falcons]], and failed to advance through the pool stages in [[2006–07 European Challenge Cup|2006-07]]. These seasons, however, saw the beginning of a new dimension to Connacht's player recruitment, whereby the province would bring Irish players back from abroad, to compete for Irish selection. Examples include the transfers of [[Gavin Duffy]] from [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]], [[Johnny O'Connor]] from [[London Wasps]] and [[Frank Murphy (rugby union)|Frank Murphy]] from [[Leicester Tigers]].
Connacht continued to struggle in the Celtic League in the following seasons, finishing in tenth place from 11 again, in both the [[2005–06 Celtic League|2005-06]] and [[2006–07 Celtic League|2006-07]] seasons. In these seasons, however their European form did not make up for the domestic performances. Connacht were knocked out out in the quarter-finals of the [[2005–06 European Challenge Cup|2005-06 Challenge Cup]] in a 23-3 defeat to [[Newcastle Falcons]]. In [[2006–07 European Challenge Cup|2006-07]], captained by [[John Fogarty (Irish rugby player)|John Fogarty]], they failed to advance through the pool stages in [[2006–07 European Challenge Cup|2006-07]]. These seasons, however, saw the beginning of a new dimension to Connacht's player recruitment, whereby the province would bring Irish players back from abroad, to compete for Irish selection. Examples include the transfers of [[Gavin Duffy]] from [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]], [[Johnny O'Connor]] from [[London Wasps]] and [[Frank Murphy (rugby union)|Frank Murphy]] from [[Leicester Tigers]].


The [[2007-08 Celtic League]] saw the competition reduced to 10 teams, following the exit of [[Border Reivers (rugby)|Border Reivers]], and the season ended with Connacht bottom of the table, having won only 5 of their 18 matches. They also finished third in their [[2007–08 European Challenge Cup pool stage#Pool 3|Challenge Cup pool]], again being knocked out early. In the following season Connacht were able to fish second in [[2008–09 European Challenge Cup#Pool 1|their group]] and advance to the quarter finals, but were beaten 42-13 by [[Northampton Saints]]. They failed to improve in the Celtic League, however, and saw themselves finish last again in [[2008–09 Celtic League|2008–09]], this time 13 points from the next team up the table.
The [[2007-08 Celtic League]] saw the competition reduced to 10 teams, following the exit of [[Border Reivers (rugby)|Border Reivers]], and the season ended with Connacht, captained again by Andrew Farley,<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/7713.php | work=Irish Rugby | title=Farley Chosen As Connacht Captain | date=26 July 2007}}</ref> bottom of the table, having won only 5 of their 18 matches. They also finished third in their [[2007–08 European Challenge Cup pool stage#Pool 3|Challenge Cup pool]], again being knocked out early. In the following season, [[John Muldoon (rugby player born 1982)|John Muldoon]] was made captain.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2008/0805/235814-muldoonj/ | work=RTE Sport | title=Muldoon the man to skipper Connacht | date=6 August 2008}}</ref> Connacht were able to fish second in [[2008–09 European Challenge Cup#Pool 1|their pool]] and advance to the quarter finals, but were beaten 42-13 by [[Northampton Saints]]. They failed to improve in the Celtic League, however, and saw themselves finish last again in [[2008–09 Celtic League|2008–09]], this time 13 points from the next team up the table.


Bradley's final season followed a similar pattern to his first two seasons as coach, with the team again finishing last in the [[2009-10 Celtic League|League]], though the gap was narrower than the previous year. As in Bradley's earlier seasons, however, Connacht were able to leave their poor form in the league when it came to playing in the [[2009–10 European Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]]. They topped their pool comfortably, winning all six games with two try bonus points, and proceeded to the quarter-finals as top seeds. In the quarters, they faced French [[Top 14]] side [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourjoin]], beating them 23-20, with a late [[Miah Nikora]] drop goal. Connacht advanced to the semi-finals where they faced a [[RC Toulonnais|Toulon]] team featuring the English fly-half [[Jonny Wilkinson]]. Toulon won 19-12 in Galway, with Wilkinson kicking 14 of their points.
Bradley announced early in the 2009-10 season, that he intended to step down at the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rabo-direct-pro-12/2009/1103/256879-bradleym/ | work=RTE Sport | title=Bradley set to leave Connacht | date=3 November 2009}}</ref> His final season followed a similar pattern to his first two seasons as coach, with the team again finishing last in the [[2009-10 Celtic League|League]], though the gap was narrower than the previous year. As in Bradley's earlier seasons, however, Connacht were able to leave their poor form in the league when it came to playing in the [[2009–10 European Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]]. They topped their pool comfortably, winning all six games with two try bonus points, and proceeded to the quarter-finals as top seeds. In the quarters, they faced French [[Top 14]] side [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourjoin]], beating them 23-20, with a late [[Miah Nikora]] drop goal. Connacht advanced to the semi-finals where, on 30 April 2010, they faced a [[RC Toulonnais|Toulon]] team featuring the English fly-half [[Jonny Wilkinson]]. Toulon won 19-12 in Galway, with Wilkinson kicking 14 of the French club's points. This season also saw veteran forward [[Michael Swift (rugby union)|Michael Swift]] break the record for number of Connacht appearances.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/15418.php | work=Irish Rugby | title=Swift Becomes Connacht's Most-Capped Player | date=14 December 2009}}</ref> Bradley's final game in the Celtic League came on 7 May 2010, with a 41-10 defeat to Ulster.

===Eric Elwood takes over===

Bradley was succeeded as Connacht boss by former Connacht and [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]] [Fly-half (rugby union)|fly-half]] [[Eric Elwood]]. Elwood had served as assistant to Bradley since 2005 and had coached the [[Ireland national under-20 rugby union team|Ireland U20s]]. His [[2010–11 Celtic League|first season]] in charge saw two teams from [[Rugby union in Italy|Italy]] introduced to the Celtic League, [[Aironi]] and [[Benetton Rugby Treviso|Benetton Treviso]], which brought the number of teams back up to 12. Connacht finished above both of the Italian teams, as well as the [[Glasgow Warriors]], coming in ninth place. In the Challenge Cup, Connacht were knocked out in the pool stages, finishing second in [[2010–11 Amlin Challenge Cup#Pool 1|their group]], behind the eventual winners of the tournament [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]].


===Heineken Cup Rugby===
===Heineken Cup Rugby===


Connacht made their first-ever Heineken Cup appearance in [[2011-12 Heineken Cup|2011–12]], thanks to Leinster winning the [[2011 Heineken Cup Final]]. By competition rules introduced in the 2010-11 season, the winners of both the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup receive an automatic berth in the following year's Heineken Cup, which passes to another team from that country if the winner is already qualified by domestic performance. As Leinster and all other Irish provinces were qualified, through the [[2010-11 Celtic League]], Connacht claimed the extra berth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/heineken-cup-2010-11/rugby/story/140264.html|title=Connacht handed Heineken Cup place|date=22 May 2011|work=ESPN Scrum|accessdate=24 May 2011}}</ref> Connacht lost their first five matches in the pool stages, claiming losing bonuses in both of their ties with [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]]. In the final game of their pool, however, they managed an upset, beating [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] 9-8 in the Sportsground, which prevented the [[English Premiership (rugby union)|Premiership]] club from topping the group, and knocked them down into the [[2011–12 European Challenge Cup|Amlin Cup]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/heineken-cup/2012/0120/290445-connacht_harlequins/ | work=RTE Sport | title=Connacht 9-8 Harlequins | date=20 January 2012}}</ref>
In [[2011-12 Heineken Cup|2011–12]] Connacht made their first-ever [[Heineken Cup]] appearance, thanks to Leinster winning the [[2011 Heineken Cup Final]]. By competition rules introduced in the 2010-11 season, the winners of both the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup would receive an automatic berth in the following year's Heineken Cup, which would then be passed on to another team from that country if the winner is already qualified by domestic performance. As Leinster had qualified through performance in the [[2010-11 Celtic League]], Connacht claimed the extra berth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/heineken-cup-2010-11/rugby/story/140264.html|title=Connacht handed Heineken Cup place|date=22 May 2011|work=ESPN Scrum|accessdate=24 May 2011}}</ref> Ahead of their first season in European Rugby's premier club competition, [[Gavin Duffy]] replaced [[John Muldoon (rugby player born 1982)|John Muldoon]] as captain of the team. Connacht lost their first five matches in the pool stages, claiming losing bonuses in both of their games with [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]]. In the final game of their pool, however, they managed an upset, beating [[Harlequin F.C.|Harlequins]] 9-8 in the Sportsground, which prevented the [[English Premiership (rugby union)|Premiership]] club from topping the group, and knocked them down into the [[2011–12 European Challenge Cup|Amlin Cup]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/heineken-cup/2012/0120/290445-connacht_harlequins/ | work=RTE Sport | title=Connacht 9-8 Harlequins | date=20 January 2012}}</ref>

Domestically, meanwhile, the Celtic League had been renamed, given the previous season's introduction of Italian teams to the competition. In the [[2011–12 Pro 12|first season of the new 'Pro 12']], Connacht built on the previous year's performance. They finished the season in eighth place, ahead of [[Newport Gwent Dragons|Dragons]], [[Edinburgh Rugby|Edinburgh]] and both of the Italian teams.


Connacht's entry into the Heineken Cup led to a significant increase in the club's popularity. In summer 2011, the supporters club, the Connacht Clan, was formed.<ref>{{cite web | title=Connacht Rugby, Connacht Clan March | date=5 September 2011 | url=http://www.connachtrugby.ie/2011090582590/connacht-clan-march}}</ref> In September 2011, Connacht season ticket sales went over the 3,000 mark for the first time in the club's history,<ref>{{cite web | title=ERC, Connacht season ticket sales over 3,000 mark | date=19 September 2011 | url=http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/news/14701.php#.UkzAtxzi2XI}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Irish Rugby, Connacht Season Tickets Pass 3,000 Mark | title=19 September 2011 | url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/24015.php}}</ref> and average attendance for the 2011-12 season saw a 105% increase over the previous season.<ref>{{cite web| work=Sports News Ireland | title=Connacht Rugby looking forward 2012/2013 season | date=19 June 2012 | url=http://sportsnewsireland.com/uncategorized/112981/}}</ref> Connacht's average attendance in home Pro12 matches climbed to 4,653 in the 2011-12 season, and increased further to 5,154 for the 2012-13 season.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.thescore.ie/munster-pro12-attendance-drops-881651-Apr2013/ | work=The Score | title=3 provinces see Pro12 attendance increases but Munster in decline | date=23 April 2013}}</ref>
Connacht's entry into the Heineken Cup led to a significant increase in the club's popularity. In summer 2011, the supporters club, the Connacht Clan, was formed.<ref>{{cite web | title=Connacht Rugby, Connacht Clan March | date=5 September 2011 | url=http://www.connachtrugby.ie/2011090582590/connacht-clan-march}}</ref> In September 2011, Connacht season ticket sales went over the 3,000 mark for the first time in the club's history,<ref>{{cite web | title=ERC, Connacht season ticket sales over 3,000 mark | date=19 September 2011 | url=http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/news/14701.php#.UkzAtxzi2XI}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Irish Rugby, Connacht Season Tickets Pass 3,000 Mark | title=19 September 2011 | url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/24015.php}}</ref> and average attendance for the 2011-12 season saw a 105% increase over the previous season.<ref>{{cite web| work=Sports News Ireland | title=Connacht Rugby looking forward 2012/2013 season | date=19 June 2012 | url=http://sportsnewsireland.com/uncategorized/112981/}}</ref> Connacht's average attendance in home Pro12 matches climbed to 4,653 in the 2011-12 season, and increased further to 5,154 for the 2012-13 season.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.thescore.ie/munster-pro12-attendance-drops-881651-Apr2013/ | work=The Score | title=3 provinces see Pro12 attendance increases but Munster in decline | date=23 April 2013}}</ref>
Connacht qualified for Heineken Cup in [[2012-13 Heineken Cup|2012–13]] and [[2013-14 Heineken Cup|2013–14]], because of Leinster's victories in the [[2011-12 Heineken Cup]] and the [[2012–13 European Challenge Cup]], respectively.
Connacht qualified for Heineken Cup in [[2012-13 Heineken Cup|2012–13]] and [[2013-14 Heineken Cup|2013–14]], because of Leinster's victories in the [[2011-12 Heineken Cup]] and the [[2012–13 European Challenge Cup]], respectively.


On 8 December 2013, Connacht produced one of the biggest shocks ever in the history of the [[Heineken Cup]] when they defeated [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]] in the [[2013–14 Heineken Cup pool stage|pool stages]] in [[Stade Ernest-Wallon]].<ref>{{citeweb|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/european-rugby/10500591/Toulouse-14-Connacht-16-match-report.html|title= Toulouse 14 Connacht 16|date=8 December 2013|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url = http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/lam-basks-in-glow-of-connachts-finest-hour-29820882.html|title= Lam basks in glow of Connacht's finest hour|date=8 December 2013|work=Irish Independent|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url = http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/connacht-diehards-shock-french-aristocrats-252092.html|title= Connacht diehards shock French aristocrats|date=8 December 2013|work=Irish Examiner|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref>
On 8 December 2013, Connacht produced one of the biggest shocks in the history of the [[Heineken Cup]], when they defeated [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]] in the [[2013–14 Heineken Cup pool stage#Pool 3|pool stages]] in [[Stade Ernest-Wallon]].<ref>{{citeweb|url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/european-rugby/10500591/Toulouse-14-Connacht-16-match-report.html|title= Toulouse 14 Connacht 16|date=8 December 2013|work=Daily Telegraph|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url = http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/lam-basks-in-glow-of-connachts-finest-hour-29820882.html|title= Lam basks in glow of Connacht's finest hour|date=8 December 2013|work=Irish Independent|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url = http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/connacht-diehards-shock-french-aristocrats-252092.html|title= Connacht diehards shock French aristocrats|date=8 December 2013|work=Irish Examiner|accessdate=9 December 2013}}</ref>


==Development Team Status==
==Development Team Status==

Revision as of 02:37, 16 December 2013

Connacht Rugby
File:Connacht badge.png
Founded1885; 139 years ago (1885)
LocationGalway, Ireland
Ground(s)Galway Sportsgrounds (Capacity: 7,500 (9,500 including temporary seating))
Coach(es)Pat Lam
Captain(s)Craig Clarke
League(s)Pro 12
2012–138th
Team kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.connachtrugby.ie

Connacht Rugby (Irish: Rugbaí Connachta) is one of the four professional provincial rugby teams from Ireland. Connacht competes in the Pro 12 and the Heineken Cup. The team represents the IRFU Connacht Branch, which is one of four primary branches of the IRFU, and is responsible for rugby union throughout the geographical Irish province of Connacht.

Connacht plays its home games at the Galway Sportsgrounds, which normally holds 7,500 spectators, though is expandable to 9,500 for important games. Connacht play in a predominantly green and black jersey, black shorts and green and black socks. The Connacht Rugby crest is a modified version of the provincial flag of Connacht and consists of a dimidiated eagle and an arm wielding a sword.

With only 7% of the total number of Irish rugby union players, Connacht has a much smaller base of rugby union players to choose from than the other three provinces, due in part to its small population and the relative popularity of Gaelic Athletic Association sports such as hurling and Gaelic football. However, rugby union in Connacht has expanded, with increased ticket sales,[1] in particular since its first season competing in the Heineken Cup. Through the work of the Connacht Branch and the support of the IRFU, the province has experienced growth, increasing its underage and schools participation through initiatives such as the 'Grassroots to Greenshirts' campaign.[2] Beginning in 2012–13, the Connacht Eagles, a developmental side, feature in the semi-professional British and Irish Cup.

History

The Connacht Branch of the IRFU, as well as the provincial team, was founded in 1885. The team was formed to compete with Leinster, Munster and Ulster, whose teams had been formed ten years earlier in 1875. The province is currently made up of 4 All-Ireland League clubs, 20 'junior' clubs and 4 'mini' rugby clubs.[3]

Connacht was the first ever Irish provincial team to win in France and England in 1997. Connacht were quarter-finalists in the European Challenge Cup in 1997–98. In the next four Challenge Cups, however, Connacht failed to make it out of the pool stages. In 2001, a new competition called the Celtic League was created to serve as a domestic league for Irish, Scottish and Welsh clubs. Connacht made it to the quarter-finals of the inaugural season. They were beaten by Scotland's Glasgow Warriors by a score of 29-34. In 2002-03 the team again reached the quarters. This time, however, they were beaten by a much greater margin, by Irish rivals Munster, with the final score being 33-3.[4] Meanwhile in the 2002-03 European Challenge Cup, they reached the quarter-finals, being knocked out by a margin of 8 points over two legs, against Welsh team Pontypridd.

The IRFU proposed shutting down Connacht Rugby as a professional team in 2003 to cut costs, in light of the IRFU's annual deficit of €4 million. This was averted when a public protest with 2,000 fans marching on the IRFU headquarters in Dublin, coupled with the possibility of a strike by the Irish Rugby Union Players Association, forced the IRFU to reverse course and maintain Connacht Rugby.[5][6]

Michael Bradley era (2003-2010)

Michael Bradley took charge of Connacht in 2003, coming in from the Irish under-age set up to replace Steph Nel.[7] In Bradley's first Celtic League season, Connacht finished ninth from 12 teams, ahead of only the Scottish sides, but 2003–04 was the most successful season in European competition in the province's history. Connacht reached the semifinals of that year's European Challenge Cup, and came within touching distance of the final, but a try from the Harlequins centre Will Greenwood, 12 minutes from time in the second leg of their semi-final, denied them a place in the final. Connacht also got to the semi-final of the Celtic Cup. The following season Andrew Farley was made captain, but Connacht fell further in the Celtic League, finishing one place from the bottom in 2004-05, in what was now an 11 team competition. Despite this the team continued their European form in the 2004-05 European Challenge Cup, reaching the semi-finals again. Once again, they were knocked out over two legs by the eventual winners of the competition, this time Sale Sharks.

Connacht continued to struggle in the Celtic League in the following seasons, finishing in tenth place from 11 again, in both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons. In these seasons, however their European form did not make up for the domestic performances. Connacht were knocked out out in the quarter-finals of the 2005-06 Challenge Cup in a 23-3 defeat to Newcastle Falcons. In 2006-07, captained by John Fogarty, they failed to advance through the pool stages in 2006-07. These seasons, however, saw the beginning of a new dimension to Connacht's player recruitment, whereby the province would bring Irish players back from abroad, to compete for Irish selection. Examples include the transfers of Gavin Duffy from Harlequins, Johnny O'Connor from London Wasps and Frank Murphy from Leicester Tigers.

The 2007-08 Celtic League saw the competition reduced to 10 teams, following the exit of Border Reivers, and the season ended with Connacht, captained again by Andrew Farley,[8] bottom of the table, having won only 5 of their 18 matches. They also finished third in their Challenge Cup pool, again being knocked out early. In the following season, John Muldoon was made captain.[9] Connacht were able to fish second in their pool and advance to the quarter finals, but were beaten 42-13 by Northampton Saints. They failed to improve in the Celtic League, however, and saw themselves finish last again in 2008–09, this time 13 points from the next team up the table.

Bradley announced early in the 2009-10 season, that he intended to step down at the end of the year.[10] His final season followed a similar pattern to his first two seasons as coach, with the team again finishing last in the League, though the gap was narrower than the previous year. As in Bradley's earlier seasons, however, Connacht were able to leave their poor form in the league when it came to playing in the Challenge Cup. They topped their pool comfortably, winning all six games with two try bonus points, and proceeded to the quarter-finals as top seeds. In the quarters, they faced French Top 14 side Bourjoin, beating them 23-20, with a late Miah Nikora drop goal. Connacht advanced to the semi-finals where, on 30 April 2010, they faced a Toulon team featuring the English fly-half Jonny Wilkinson. Toulon won 19-12 in Galway, with Wilkinson kicking 14 of the French club's points. This season also saw veteran forward Michael Swift break the record for number of Connacht appearances.[11] Bradley's final game in the Celtic League came on 7 May 2010, with a 41-10 defeat to Ulster.

Eric Elwood takes over

Bradley was succeeded as Connacht boss by former Connacht and Ireland [Fly-half (rugby union)|fly-half]] Eric Elwood. Elwood had served as assistant to Bradley since 2005 and had coached the Ireland U20s. His first season in charge saw two teams from Italy introduced to the Celtic League, Aironi and Benetton Treviso, which brought the number of teams back up to 12. Connacht finished above both of the Italian teams, as well as the Glasgow Warriors, coming in ninth place. In the Challenge Cup, Connacht were knocked out in the pool stages, finishing second in their group, behind the eventual winners of the tournament Harlequins.

Heineken Cup Rugby

In 2011–12 Connacht made their first-ever Heineken Cup appearance, thanks to Leinster winning the 2011 Heineken Cup Final. By competition rules introduced in the 2010-11 season, the winners of both the Heineken Cup and the European Challenge Cup would receive an automatic berth in the following year's Heineken Cup, which would then be passed on to another team from that country if the winner is already qualified by domestic performance. As Leinster had qualified through performance in the 2010-11 Celtic League, Connacht claimed the extra berth.[12] Ahead of their first season in European Rugby's premier club competition, Gavin Duffy replaced John Muldoon as captain of the team. Connacht lost their first five matches in the pool stages, claiming losing bonuses in both of their games with Gloucester. In the final game of their pool, however, they managed an upset, beating Harlequins 9-8 in the Sportsground, which prevented the Premiership club from topping the group, and knocked them down into the Amlin Cup.[13]

Domestically, meanwhile, the Celtic League had been renamed, given the previous season's introduction of Italian teams to the competition. In the first season of the new 'Pro 12', Connacht built on the previous year's performance. They finished the season in eighth place, ahead of Dragons, Edinburgh and both of the Italian teams.

Connacht's entry into the Heineken Cup led to a significant increase in the club's popularity. In summer 2011, the supporters club, the Connacht Clan, was formed.[14] In September 2011, Connacht season ticket sales went over the 3,000 mark for the first time in the club's history,[15][16] and average attendance for the 2011-12 season saw a 105% increase over the previous season.[17] Connacht's average attendance in home Pro12 matches climbed to 4,653 in the 2011-12 season, and increased further to 5,154 for the 2012-13 season.[18] Connacht qualified for Heineken Cup in 2012–13 and 2013–14, because of Leinster's victories in the 2011-12 Heineken Cup and the 2012–13 European Challenge Cup, respectively.

On 8 December 2013, Connacht produced one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Heineken Cup, when they defeated Toulouse in the pool stages in Stade Ernest-Wallon.[19][20][21]

Development Team Status

The IRFU originally designated Connacht as a development team, which meant that it received only half the budget of the other Irish provincial teams. In 2003, the IRFU discussed whether Connacht should be closed down as a means of cost saving, as happened to the Scottish team Caledonia Reds in 1998, the Welsh region Celtic Warriors in 2004,[22] and in 2007, another of Scotland's teams, Border Reivers.[23]

In addition to this, the IRFU had automatically entered Connacht in the European Challenge Cup each year rather than the more prestigious Heineken Cup, regardless of results in the Celtic League (now the Pro12). However, ahead of the 2006–07 season, the IRFU agreed to use the Celtic League table as its sole criteria for determining which Irish teams would enter the next season's Heineken Cup. In that season, Connacht finished last among the competition's four Irish sides, which placed them in the 2007–08 European Challenge Cup. Connacht have finished bottom of the four Irish sides each season since 2006-07, meaning the team played in the European Challenge Cup every season from then, through to the 2010–11 competition, after which they qualified to the Heineken Cup, due to Leinster's success.

Despite no longer being classed as a development team, having a smaller playing population than the other provinces means that a larger proportion of Connacht's players are recruited from around the rest of Ireland. These are usually other province's fringe players or youth team members struggling to break into their team's senior squad. Growth in the number of young players from Connacht progressing from the academy into the senior squad[24][25] has lessened the reliance on these sorts of transfers, somewhat. 2012-13 squad members Tiernan O'Halloran, Dennis Buckley, Eoin McKeon, Robbie Henshaw and Eoin Griffin are examples of Connacht players native to the province, born in or after 1990.

Players who are developed by Connacht are prone to being recruited by the other Irish provinces and clubs outside Ireland. For example, the club lost four important first team players in 2011 alone, with the team's out-half, Ian Keatley's move to Munster,[26] along with the transfers of hooker Sean Cronin,[27] tighthead prop Jamie Hagan[28] and winger Fionn Carr[29] to Leinster (though Carr later returned in 2013).[30] After the loss of Irish international lock Mike McCarthy, again to Leinster, was announced in 2012, Connacht's chief executive Tom Sears accused Leinster of trying to 'poach' Connacht players, arguing it was not in the best interests of Irish rugby.[31][32]

Galway Sportsground

The historical home of Connacht Rugby since the late 1920s, the Galway Sportsground, often known simply as "the Sportsground", is known as a spartan and inhospitable venue for visiting teams, especially in winter. The ground is owned by "The Galway Agricultural & Sports Society Ltd." who lease it to both Connacht Rugby and the Irish Greyhound Board. Due primarily to the issue of ownership, the development of the Sportsground has lagged behind the home grounds of the other Irish provinces, who with the backing of the IRFU, have moved ahead with major developments completed on Thomond Park in 2008[33] and Ravenenhill in 2009,[34] with further refurbishment planned for the RDS.[35] These developments leave Connacht further behind the other provinces, as their rivals look to benefit financially from the increased revenue streams.

Development

Lineout vs Toulouse in 2011-2012 Heineken Cup group stage match

Connacht Rugby participated in the Heineken Cup in 2011-2012, which spurred a new phase of development at the Sportsground, with the aim of increasing capacity to 7,500 supporters. The Clubhouse Terrace was knocked down to be replaced by covered terrace called "the Clan Terrace". This terrace is primarily to house season ticket holders and Supporters Club members. This is the first stage of development on the Clubhouse side of the ground, as the Clan Terrace is scheduled to be replaced itself when funds to do so are in place. There is also ancillary work being undertaken behind the terrace which will see the construction of a bar, food outlets and restroom facilities on the Clubhouse side of the ground.

The second part of the development will be the erection of a covered, seated "West Stand", adjacent to the existing main stand. This stand will cater for over 300 supporters. The new West Stand, along with the developments on the new Clan side, are anticipated to improve facilities within the Sportsground.[36]

Connacht Eagles

Connacht Eagles (formerly Connacht A) is the team that represents Connacht in the British & Irish Cup[37] and in the All Ireland Inter-provincial Championship.[38] Pre-professionalism and a formal Celtic league structure, the main Connacht team competed in the AIPC. Since the advent of professionalism the provinces have fielded lesser teams in order to concentrate on the Celtic League/Pro12. The team is composed of Senior Connacht squad players requiring gametime, Academy players[39] and AIL players called up from their clubs.[40]

Crest & Colours

The eagle and sword arm crest featured in the Connacht Rugby crest is taken from the flag of the province. These arms are said to have been granted to Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht, by the Schottenkloster, or Irish monastery, founded in Regensburg, Bavaria in the 11th century.[41]

The flag of the Province of Connacht
Stade Toulouse v Connacht Rugby – 14 January 2012

The current kit consists of a green shirt with black trimming, black shorts and black socks with green trimming. The away kit is white, green and blue. The traditional colours of the Connacht province and flag are blue, black and white with no green present; the reasons for its presence on the Connacht Rugby kit are unknown. However the Green jersey has been associated with the Connacht Rugby senior provincial rugby team for well over fifty years.[when?]

The current official Connacht team and support staff kit supplier is Australian manufacturer BLK sport, who announced a comprehensive four-year agreement to supply the full range of apparel for all of Connacht Rugby’s representative teams and support staff in 2013.[42]

The main shirt sponsors are Mazda Ireland, who are investing over €1.5m in Connacht Rugby from 2012 to 2014 as part of major sponsorship deal to facilitate the development of both brands.[43]

Current standings

Pro12 Table watch · edit · discuss
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1 Ireland Leinster (CH) 22 17 1 4 554 352 +202 57 30 8 4 82
2 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (RU) 22 18 0 4 484 309 +175 53 22 4 3 79
3 Ireland Munster (SF) 22 16 0 6 538 339 +199 56 27 7 3 74
4 Ireland Ulster (SF) 22 15 0 7 470 319 +151 45 26 6 4 70
5 Wales Ospreys 22 13 1 8 571 388 +183 59 32 6 6 66
6 Wales Scarlets 22 11 1 10 435 438 −3 43 45 3 6 55
7 Wales Cardiff Blues 22 8 1 13 425 538 −113 32 55 1 6 41
8 Scotland Edinburgh 22 7 0 15 397 526 −129 38 57 2 8 38
9 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 22 7 1 14 392 492 −100 34 46 0 5 35
10 Ireland Connacht 22 6 0 16 371 509 −138 42 54 4 7 35
11 Italy Benetton Treviso 22 5 1 16 376 591 −215 31 72 1 7 30
12 Italy Zebre 22 5 2 15 347 559 −212 35 59 0 5 29

If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[44]

  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest red cards received;
  7. the fewest yellow cards received.
Green background (rows 1 to 4) are play-off places, and earn a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup. Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places, that earn a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup. Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

European Rugby Champions/Challenge Cup qualification: The top team from each country, plus the three highest-placed teams apart from those, will qualify for the European Rugby Champions Cup. The remaining teams qualify for the European Rugby Challenge Cup. Updated 19 May 2014. Source: RaboDirect PRO12

Representative Clubs

Senior Clubs

Senior clubs are the top level of club within the province. Connacht is currently represented by 4 teams in the All-Ireland League (AIL),[45] which is the IRFU's primary senior club competition. No club from Connacht has won the AIL. The teams from Connacht are:

Junior Clubs

Junior clubs are the next level down in the province's development ladder. Connacht has 20 junior clubs for 2013-14:[46]

  • Ballina RFC
  • Ballinasloe RFC
  • Ballinrobe RFC
  • Ballyhaunis RFC
  • Carrick-on-Shannon RFC
  • Castlebar RFC
  • Claremorris RFC
  • Connemara RFC
  • Corrib RFC
  • Creggs RFC
  • Dunmore RFC
  • Gort RFC
  • Loughrea RFC
  • Monivea RFC
  • NUI Galway RFC
  • Our Lady's Boys Club RFC
  • Oughterard RFC
  • Portumna RFC
  • Tuam RFC
  • Westport RFC

Youth Clubs

Also known as 'mini rugby clubs' these teams are another level below the Jnior Clubs. The mini rugby clubs for 2013-14 are:[47]

  • An Ghaeltacht RFC
  • Ballaghaderreen RFC
  • Erris RFC
  • Na Barineachaí RFC
  • South Sligo RFC

Provincial Honours

Competition Championships Best Result
Irish Inter-Provincial Championship 2 Champions:
Celtic League/Pro12 0 Quarter-finalists: 2001-02, 2002–03
Heineken Cup 0 3rd in pool: 2012–13
European Challenge Cup 0 Semi-finalists: 2003–04, 2004–05 & 2009–10

Season records

Celtic League / Pro12 History

Season Pos Played Won Drew Lost PF PA PD Bonus Points
2001–02 2nd (Pool B) 6 4 0 2 152 97 55 n/a 12
Quarter-final Connacht 29 – 34 Glasgow
2002–03 4th (Pool B) 7 5 0 2 126 176 -50 0 20
Quarter-final Munster 33 – 3 Connacht
2003–04 9th 22 8 2 12 479 550 −71 8 44
2003–04 Celtic Cup 1st Round Borders 21 – 26 Connacht
Quarter-final Scarlets 12 – 14 Connacht
Semi-final Connacht 25 – 26 Edinburgh
2004–05 10th 20 7 1 12 317 407 –90 7 37
2005–06 10th 22 6 0 14 325 466 –141 5 37[n 1]
2006–07 10th 20 4 2 14 326 474 –148 6 26
2007–08 10th 18 5 1 12 214 396 –182 2 24
2008–09 10th 18 4 0 14 224 460 –236 4 20
2009–10 10th 18 5 1 12 254 459 –205 4 26
2010–11 9th 22 7 1 14 394 459 -65 9 39
2011–12 8th 22 7 1 14 321 433 -112 7 37
2012–13 8th 22 8 1 13 358 422 –64 4 38
  1. ^ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded 4 points instead.
    Therefore, each team finished the season with 8 more points than the table would seem to warrant.

European Challenge Cup and Heineken Cup

Key to colours
     Seasons in the Heineken Cup
     Seasons in the European Challenge Cup
Season Pool Pos Played Won Drew Lost PF PA PD Bonus Points
1996–97 4th 5 2 0 3 94 131 -37 n/a 4
1997–98 1st 6 5 0 1 144 97 47 n/a 10
Quarter-final Agen France 40 – 27 Connacht
1998–99 5th 6 3 0 3 129 156 -27 n/a 6
1999–2000 3rd 6 2 0 4 131 165 -34 n/a 4
2000–01 4th 6 1 0 5 60 152 -92 n/a 2
2001–02 2nd 6 3 0 3 157 140 17 n/a 6
2002–03 Round 1 Mont de Marsan France 12 – 26 Connacht
Connacht 47 – 29 France Mont de Marsan
Round 2 Narbonne France 42 – 27 Connacht
Connacht 23 – 7 France Narbonne
Quarter-final Connacht 30 – 35 Wales Pontypridd
Pontypridd Wales 12 – 9 Connacht
2003–04 Round 1 Béziers France 10 – 18 Connacht
Connacht 11 – 13 France Béziers
Round 2 Connacht 29 – 7 France Pau
Pau France 10 – 6 Connacht
Quarter-final Narbonne France 18 – 27 Connacht
Connacht 16 – 10 France Narbonne
Semi-final Harlequins England 31 – 22 Connacht
Connacht 23 – 18 England Harlequins
2004–05 Round 1 Narbonne France 25 – 11 Connacht
Connacht 40 – 21 France Narbonne
Round 2 Connacht 56 – 3 France Montpellier
Montpellier France 19 – 14 Connacht
Quarter-final Grenoble France 21 – 26 Connacht
Connacht 19 – 3 France Grenoble
Semi-final Connacht 18 – 25 England Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks England 59 – 9 Connacht
2005–06 2nd 6 4 0 2 190 119 71 4 20
Quarter-final Newcastle Falcons England 23 – 3 Connacht
2006–07 3rd 6 1 0 5 119 150 -31 4 8
2007–08 3rd 6 3 0 3 172 97 75 3 15
2008–09 2nd 6 4 0 2 159 140 19 3 19
Quarter-final Northampton Saints England 42 – 13 Connacht
2009–10 1st 6 6 0 0 199 63 136 2 26
Quarter-final Connacht 23 – 20 France Bourgoin
Semi-final Connacht 12 – 19 France Toulon
2010–11 2nd 6 3 0 3 173 99 74 3 15
2011–12 4th 6 1 0 5 68 130 −62 2 6
2012–13 3rd 6 3 0 3 96 138 −42 0 12

Head Coaches in Professional Era

Coach First Season Final Season
Warren Gatland 1996-97 1997-98
Glenn Ross[48] 1998-99 1999-2000
Steph Nel 2000-01 2003-04
Michael Bradley 2003-04 2009-10
Eric Elwood 2010-11 2012-13
Pat Lam 2013-14

Current squad

Coaching and Management Team 2013/14

[49]

Position Name Nationality
Head Coach Pat Lam  New Zealand
Assistant Coach Pat McFarland  Ireland
Skills Coach Dave Ellis  New Zealand
Chief Executive vacant
Team Manager Tim Allnut  New Zealand
Academy Manager/
Eagles Head Coach 		Nigel Carolan  Ireland
Resource Coach(es) Cory Browne
Jimmy Duffy 		 New Zealand
 Ireland
Head of Strength and
Conditioning 		Tom McLaughlin  England
Performance Analyst Conor McPhillips  Ireland
Head Physio Gavin Malouf  Australia

Senior Playing Squad 2013/14 Season

[50] Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Jason Harris-Wright Hooker Ireland Ireland
Dave Heffernan Hooker Ireland Ireland
Seán Henry Hooker Ireland Ireland
James Rael Hooker Ireland Ireland
Rodney Ah You* Prop New Zealand New Zealand
Denis Buckley Prop Ireland Ireland
JP Cooney Prop Ireland Ireland
Ronan Loughney Prop Ireland Ireland
Nathan White Prop New Zealand New Zealand
Brett Wilkinson Prop Ireland Ireland
Andrew Browne Lock Ireland Ireland
Craig Clarke (c) Lock New Zealand New Zealand
Mick Kearney Lock Ireland Ireland
Aly Muldowney* Lock Scotland Scotland
David Nolan Lock Ireland Ireland
Michael Swift* Lock England England
Danny Qualter Lock Ireland Ireland
Aaron Conneely Flanker Ireland Ireland
Mata Fafita* Flanker Tonga Tonga
Willie Faloon Flanker Ireland Ireland
Jake Heenan Flanker New Zealand New Zealand
John Muldoon Flanker Ireland Ireland
Eoin McKeon Number 8 Ireland Ireland
George Naoupu Number 8 New Zealand New Zealand
Player Position Union
Kieran Marmion Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Frank Murphy Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Paul O'Donohoe Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Miah Nikora* Fly-half New Zealand New Zealand
Dan Parks Fly-half Scotland Scotland
Craig Ronaldson Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Eoin Griffin Centre Ireland Ireland
Dave McSharry Centre Ireland Ireland
Brian Murphy Centre Ireland Ireland
Kyle Tonetti Centre Ireland Ireland
Fionn Carr Wing Ireland Ireland
Matt Healy Wing Ireland Ireland
Darragh Leader Wing Ireland Ireland
Tiernan O'Halloran Wing Ireland Ireland
Danie Poolman Wing South Africa South Africa
Gavin Duffy Fullback Ireland Ireland
Robbie Henshaw Fullback Ireland Ireland
  • Players qualified to play for Ireland on dual nationality or residency grounds*.
  • Senior 15's internationally capped players in bold.

Academy Squad 2013/14

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Finlay Bealham Prop Australia Australia year 2
Peter Reilly Prop Ireland Ireland year 2
Jamie Dever Prop Ireland Ireland year 2
Saba Meunargia Prop Georgia (country) Georgia year 1
Jacob Walshe Prop Ireland Ireland year 1
Ultan Dilane Lock Ireland Ireland year 2
Conor Kindregan Lock Ireland Ireland year 1
Sean O'Brien Lock Ireland Ireland year 1
James Connolly Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
Eoghan Masterson Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
Rory Moloney Number 8 Ireland Ireland year 1
Player Position Union
Marcus Walsh Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 2
Caolin Blade Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 1
Jack Carty Fly-half Ireland Ireland year 3
Conor Finn Centre Ireland Ireland year 3
Tadhg Leader Centre Ireland Ireland year 3
Rory Parata Centre New Zealand New Zealand year 1
Shane Layden Wing Ireland Ireland year 3
Darragh Leader Wing Ireland Ireland year 2
Steve Macauley Wing England England year 2
David Panther Fullback England England year 1

Template:MultiCol

Players In Season 2013/14

| class="col-break " |

Players Out Season 2013/14

Template:EndMultiCol

Notable players

See also Category:Connacht Rugby players

Ireland

The following Connacht players have represented Ireland at full international level.

British and Irish Lions

The following Connacht players have also represented the British and Irish Lions.[67]

(c) Tour Captain

Overseas Internationals

Club & Schools Competitions

Club

Schools

See also

References

  1. ^ http://staging.insideireland.ie/2011/09/19/connacht-celebrate-record-breaking-ticket-sales-35268/?doing_wp_cron
  2. ^ http://grassrootstogreenshirts.connachtrugby.ie/
  3. ^ "Clubs". Connacht Rugby. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  4. ^ "Play-Off History". RaboDirect Pro12. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  5. ^ "Connacht fans in IRFU protest". BBC Sport. 24 January 2003.
  6. ^ "Designing the future of Connacht Rugby". The Roar. 31 March 2010.
  7. ^ "Michael Bradley to Replace Steph Nel at Connacht". Munster Rugby. 28 April 2003.
  8. ^ "Farley Chosen As Connacht Captain". Irish Rugby. 26 July 2007.
  9. ^ "Muldoon the man to skipper Connacht". RTE Sport. 6 August 2008.
  10. ^ "Bradley set to leave Connacht". RTE Sport. 3 November 2009.
  11. ^ "Swift Becomes Connacht's Most-Capped Player". Irish Rugby. 14 December 2009.
  12. ^ "Connacht handed Heineken Cup place". ESPN Scrum. 22 May 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2011.
  13. ^ "Connacht 9-8 Harlequins". RTE Sport. 20 January 2012.
  14. ^ "Connacht Rugby, Connacht Clan March". 5 September 2011.
  15. ^ "ERC, Connacht season ticket sales over 3,000 mark". 19 September 2011.
  16. ^ "19 September 2011".
  17. ^ "Connacht Rugby looking forward 2012/2013 season". Sports News Ireland. 19 June 2012.
  18. ^ "3 provinces see Pro12 attendance increases but Munster in decline". The Score. 23 April 2013.
  19. ^ "Toulouse 14 Connacht 16". Daily Telegraph. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  20. ^ "Lam basks in glow of Connacht's finest hour". Irish Independent. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  21. ^ "Connacht diehards shock French aristocrats". Irish Examiner. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
  22. ^ "Sad demise of the Celtic Warriors". Munster Rugby. 4 June 2004.
  23. ^ "Border Reivers to be shut down". RTE Sport. 14 June 2007.
  24. ^ "Connacht recruits eight youngsters for its academy". Mayo Advertiser. 14 June 2013.
  25. ^ "Heffernan and Qualter Graduate To Connacht Senior Sqaud". Irish Rugby. 15 March 2013.
  26. ^ "Munster confirm Ian Keatley signing and secure future of eleven players". JOE.ie.
  27. ^ "Sean Cronin signs two year deal with Leinster". Leinster Rugby. 24 January 2011.
  28. ^ "Leinster announce hat-trick of signings". Sport News. 28 March 2011.
  29. ^ "Browne And Carr On Their Way To Leinster". Irish Rugby. 4 May 2011.
  30. ^ "Fionn Carr returning to Connacht in the summer". Setanta Sports. 21 January 2013.
  31. ^ "Mike McCarthy to leave Connacht for Leinster". RTÉ News. 12 December 2012.
  32. ^ "Connacht fury as Blues sign McCarthy". The Irish Examiner. 13 December 2012.
  33. ^ http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/oconnell-we-must-do-justice-to-newlook-thomond-26481630.html
  34. ^ http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/rugby-fans-line-out-for-grandstand-view-28498332.html
  35. ^ http://www.herald.ie/news/leinsters-rds-arena-home-to-get-massive-17m-revamp-28006157.html
  36. ^ "Connacht Excited About Redeveloped Sportsground". Irish Rugby. 13 July 2011.
  37. ^ "B&I Cup set to arrive in Connacht". Connacht Rugby. 11 May 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  38. ^ "Two from two for the Eagles". Connacht Rugby. 20 September 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  39. ^ "The British & Irish Cup will provide some great opportunities for a lot of the academy members to play with the Connacht Eagles.""Connacht Eagles welcome Munster A's to the Sportsground". Connacht Rugby. 22 August 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  40. ^ "due to a lot of our development players on duty in Glasgow this weekend we have tapped into the talent pool of the Club game for tomorrow’s match.""Connacht Eagles to take on Munster A in Limerick". Connacht Rugby. 19 September 2012. Retrieved 10 October 2012.
  41. ^ Heraldry in Ireland, The National Library of Ireland
  42. ^ "Connacht strike new deal with Australian kit suppliers". Galway Advertiser. 20 June 2013.
  43. ^ "Connacht seal lucrative Mazda deal". Irish Independent. 3 August 2011.
  44. ^ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro12. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  45. ^ IRFU - All Ireland League Tables http://www.irishrugby.ie/ulsterbankleague/tables.php
  46. ^ http://domestic.connachtrugby.ie/junior-clubs
  47. ^ http://domestic.connachtrugby.ie/mini-rugby-clubs
  48. ^ Stephy Nel replacing outgoing Glenn Ross at Connacht http://www.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/story/31593.html
  49. ^ http://www.connachtrugby.ie/
  50. ^ http://www.connachtrugby.ie/2012080282911/talented-club-players-given-chance-to-shine-at-connacht
  51. ^ http://www.connachtrugby.ie/2013052083320/sooialo-completes-squad-for-201314
  52. ^ http://www.connachtrugby.ie/news-centre/Page-2
  53. ^ "Reynecke word 'n Cheetah". SupaRugby (in Afrikaans). 20 June 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2013.
  54. ^ "Willie bly 'n Cheetah". Beeld (in Afrikaans). Media24. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  55. ^ "Heyneke sal Lappies, Siya in Kaap dophou". Die Burger (in Afrikaans). Media24. 25 June 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  56. ^ "James So'oailo released by Connacht on compassionate grounds". Irish Independent. 26 October 2013.
  57. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?includeref=dynamic&filter=yes&searchname=dooley
  58. ^ http://www.galwegians.ie/page.asp?menu=89&page=228
  59. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?player=23920&includeref=dynamic
  60. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?player=24066&includeref=dynamic
  61. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?player=24090&includeref=dynamic
  62. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?player=4267&includeref=dynamic
  63. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?player=4044&includeref=dynamic
  64. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?player=24276&includeref=dynamic
  65. ^ http://www.galwayindependent.com/sport/sport/tony-o%92sullivan-%97-the-passing-of-connacht%92s-first-rugby-icon/
  66. ^ http://www.irishrugby.ie/227_7678.php?player=24361&includeref=dynamic
  67. ^ The Ireland Rugby Miscellany (2007): Ciaran Cronin
  68. ^ www.irishrugby.ie

Sources

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