Advertisement

Readers like you keep news free for everyone.

More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.

Support us today
Not now
Saturday 1 April 2023 Dublin: 8°C

# Connacht

This week
26th March 2023 - 1st April 2023
# stepping up
'His ceiling is quite high, you can see he’s still adding layers to his game'
Is Davd Hawkshaw a ready made replacement for Jack Carty at 10 for Connacht?
# Back in action
Aki poised for first Connacht appearance since December
A training ground incident led to speculation about Aki’s future at Connacht, but he is available for this weekend’s clash with Benetton.
# Analysis
Connacht's Blade pushing hard to break up Ireland's pecking order
The 28-year-old Monivea man showed his qualities once again in Galway last weekend.
Last week
19th March 2023 - 1st April 2023
# Hot Stepper
Connacht pull off huge coup with signing of Pumas flyer Cordero
The 29-year-old will join from Bordeaux on a two-season deal this summer.
# Champions Again
Connacht rugby powerhouse Sligo Grammar School win back-to-back Senior Cups
They rounded off an unbeaten season with a tough physical test against a young but rapidly-improving Marist College side.
Last month
March 2023
# new arrival
Connacht announce signing of Seán O’Brien from Leinster Academy
O’Brien made three professional appearances for Leinster.
# Central Criminal Court
Woman and her partner given lengthy sentences for rape and abuse of her two young children
Mr Justice Keane said these were ‘deplorable crimes against very young children’ by those charged with their protection.
# Go West
Connacht back into top half after battling win over the Dragons in Wales
A fourth win in a row for Connacht.
# Connacht
Connacht's Kieran Marmion to join Bristol Bears at end of the season
With 224 appearances over 11 seasons, Marmion is currently third in all-time appearances for Connacht.
This year
2023
# Pen to Paper
Tucker signs new contract to stay with Connacht under new head coach Wilkins
Tucker first joined the province as a coach development officer in 2015.
# succession plan
Connacht poised to announce new head coach
Andy Friend said he understood that an announcement on his successor is imminent.
# GAA
Kerry and Sligo sides advance to Hogan Cup semi-finals after provincial senior wins
St Brendan’s Killarney and Summerhill College Sligo won today’s finals.
# Team news
Jack Carty returns to lead Connacht against Lions
Out-half is just six points off Eric Elwood’s points-scoring record for the province.
# Winner winner
Niamh Briggs' Munster retain interpro title and go back-to-back for first time since 2015
Deirbhile Nic a Bháird’s rampaging first-half try inspired a 50-24 win over Connacht, while Leinster were 43-0 winners over Ulster.
# Challenge Cup
Bealham hat-trick not enough to stop Connacht losing away to Newcastle
Connacht lost out by 14 points at Kingston Park.
# Talking Points
Leinster's Joe Show, Connacht's Aki call, Ulster's defining night and Kilcoyne's Munster aim
The42 rugby writers look ahead to a huge weekend for the four Irish provinces.
# Go West
Connacht make six changes for trip to Newcastle with Aki not named in squad
Connacht heading to Kingston Park tomorrow.
# New Addition
Lawler to join Munster as skills coach next season in move from Connacht
Mossy Lawler featured for Munster from 2000 to 2008 as a player.
# Back in business
Connacht get back on track with Sharks victory
The western province bounced back at home to the Sharks, following consecutive losses at the hands of Leinster and Ulster.
# women's interpros
Tullow and Tullamore teens the stars as Leinster make winning start under Tania Rosser
Last season’s runners-up launched their challenge for interpro honours with a bonus-point triumph over Connacht.
# Loss
Blow for Connacht as influential Hawkshaw ruled out until March
The former Leinster centre has undergone surgery on an ankle injury, with the projected recovery time six to eight weeks.
# A Friend in need
Hansen and Bealham back for Connacht as Sharks send their second-string
Andy Friend’s side are 13th in the URC table and badly need a win.
# talismen
Big boost for Connacht with Irish internationals returning for Sharks clash
Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, and Finlay Bealham are all available again.
Last year
2022
# Injury Doubt
Connacht's Adam Byrne in race to be fit for Leinster clash
Winger nursing a foot injury ahead of meeting with his former side.
# The Late Late Show
Ulster survive remarkable Connacht comeback to end disastrous December
A 14-point lead after 78 minutes was whittled back in the dying moments as Connacht sprung to life in a dramatic finish.
# return of the mack
Mack Hansen returns as Connacht make 12 changes for Ulster clash
Shane Delahunt, Oisín Dowling, and Bundee Aki are the only players to retain their places in the starting XV.
# Preview
Beleaguered Brive up next as Connacht look to shape season in Challenge Cup
Andy Friend’s side are in action in France tonight.
# Building depth
'This season, we have this little bit more rotation so it keeps everyone keen and motivated'
Connacht captain Jarrad Butler says developing the squad’s depth is key to progress.
# Grassroots
Galway clubs land Connacht football titles, Leinster final wins for Wexford and Meath teams
Liatroim became the first Down club to win the Ulster intermediate hurling title today.
# URC
Returning Hansen one of six Connacht changes for Benetton clash
Andy Friend’s side are hosts at The Sportsground tomorrow.
# Tune in
Munster, Connacht and Leinster club finals live in next weekend's GAA TV action
The Ulster club decider will be live-streamed on TG4′s YouTube channel.
# Focused
'All in good form' - Munster welcome back big guns as they aim to avoid another derby loss
Connacht defeated Munster 20-11 to get their first win of the campaign in early October.
# URC
Boost for Munster as Keith Earls returns ahead of huge Connacht clash
Antoine Frisch had positive results from the scan on his thigh issue.
# Grassroots
Open Race - Only 3 clubs left in All-Ireland football race have won provincial senior title
Plenty big names have exited, leaving a novel look to the All-Ireland club football championship.
# new faces
'It energises the whole thing again' - The Galway and Mayo champs setting out in Connacht
Westport and Maigh Cuillinn face off in the Connacht championship tomorrow.
# Tune in
Cork, Tipperary, Mayo, Galway, Derry and Tyrone club champs in live GAA TV action
Plenty for GAA fans to enjoy this weekend.
# missed opportunities
'We are making life so hard for ourselves' - Andy Friend says Connacht must improve
Head coach happy with win against Ospreys ‘but not as happy with the performance’.
# My Little Flower
'Joe said, 'Put that bottle of Buckfast down, you're coming into Ireland camp!''
Matt Healy has opened a coffee shop after retiring as Connacht’s all-time top try-scorer.
# relentless
Connacht's new behind-the-scenes doc is something rugby needs more of
The show focuses on three Connacht players during the 2021/22 season.
# Injury Update
New signing Dooley doubtful for Connacht as Delahunt and Farrell near returns
Connacht welcome Scarlets to the Sportsground for a basement clash under Friday Night Lights.