Connacht vs Ospreys URC Digital Match Programme

THERE'S
STRENGTH IN BELIEF
ENGINEERED PERFORMANCE CRAFTED FOR SPORT ISSUED TO THE ATHLETE ENGINEERED PERFORMANCE CRAFTED FOR SPORT
DESIGN YOUR OWN
www.blksport.ie

16 TEAMS,
2 HEMISPHERES,
1 LEAGUE
THE ULTIMATE
URC EXPERIENCE
JOIN FOR FREE
Personalised team
experience
Exclusive offers
& competitions
Premium opinion
articles & analysis
Match highlights &
exclusive video content
WWW.UNITEDRUGBY.COM/MYURC

PRESIDENT’s
WELCOME
THank You To Our Partners for
their continued support
On behalf of everyone
at Connacht Rugby, I am
delighted to welcome you to
The Sportsground for today’s
United Rugby Championship
fixture between Connacht and
Ospreys.
It has been five long weeks since our last
fixture and while our players and management
enjoyed a well deserved few days off, I’m sure
they’re all hugely excited to get back playing
for what’s going to be a very busy few months.
10 consecutive weeks of games start today.
In that time here at The Sportsground we
have two huge Heineken Champions Cup
fixtures against Leicester Tigers and Stade
Francais, and a New Years Day meeting with
our neighbours Munster Rugby. To all of you
who have secured your entry to those games
with a 2021/22 Season Ticket, a sincere thank
you for your support!
Official Retail Partner Official Kit Partner Official Partner
Official Health &
Wellbeing Partner
Official Fuel Partner
Principal Partner
Official Catering Partner
Official Beer Partner
Official Hotel Partner
Our last fixture, the historic game against
Ulster at the Aviva Stadium, was an occasion
none of us will ever forget. To play in the home
of Irish Rugby, and then back it up with a
performance that thrilled the thousands of
travelling supporters, speaks volumes about
this squad and management group. If you
were there I’m sure you’ll agree it was a day
worth savouring. That said, it’s great to be
back home at The Sportsground.
This is our first game here since the return
to 100% capacity in line with government
restrictions. It’s been a long time coming and
we’re greatly appreciative of everyone’s efforts
that have got us to that point. However, you will
no doubt be aware that COVID-19 is still hugely
prevalent in our society, and the last thing any
of us want is a return to further restrictions,
including limited capacity at our games. I
would strongly ask everyone to stay safe and
take whatever necessary precautions you feel
our needed. Our partners Laya Healthcare are
providing free masks at the stadium tonight
and I would also urge you to make use of them.
In the past few months we have had a number
of our players, both male and female, represent
the province on the international scene. I’d like
to congratulate all of them on their success –
to come away with a 100% win record for both
teams in a November Series is a significant
achievement.
Finally I’d like to welcome Ospreys Rugby and their
travelling players, management and supporters.
We hope you enjoy your time in Galway and we
look forward to returning the favour in Swansea
next season,
Thank you and enjoy the game.
Connacht Abu!
Ann Heneghan
President, Connacht Rugby
Official Energy
Official Partner
Drinks Partner
Official Partner Official Partner
Official Ticketing
Partner
Official Ball &
Equipment Partner
Official Business
Advisors
Official Water
Supplier
Official Partner
Sustainability
Partner
Official Whiskey
Partner
Official Formalwear
Supplier
IT Systems &
Security Partner
Irish
Official Coach
Partner
Official Security
Partner
Official Partner
Official Parner of
Womens Emerging Talent
Official Legal
Advisors
Official Radio
Partner
Official Footwear
Supplier
Official Partner
Official Nutrition
Partner

Available Now
gilbertrugby.com
GUINNESS PRO14 CAMPAIGN TO CONCLUDE IN
MARCH AHEAD OF NEW “RAINBOW CUP” WITH
SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP FOUR ‘SUPER’ TEAMS
The current Guinness PRO14 campaign will
end in March allowing South Africa’s four
‘Super’ teams and our existing clubs to
finish the season with a 16-team “Rainbow
Cup” competition ahead of the British &
Irish Lions tour.
• The 2020/21 Guinness PRO14 campaign will finish after 16
rounds with the Conference winners facing each other in a
final in late March
• Qualification for EPCR tournaments in 2021/22 will be
decided by rankings after Round 16
• On April 17, 2021, the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will
kick-off and introduce the Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions,
Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers and their World Cupwinning
Springboks
• The Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will consist of a pool
stage (two pools of eight teams) and a final between the
two pool winners
FINAL CHAPTER OF GUINNESS PRO14
fixture list will aim to ensure home and away in-conference
fixtures are completed and each team plays all of its
cross-conference matches also. Further clarification will be
available when fixtures are confirmed.
The scheduled dates for the conclusion of the 2020-21
Guinness PRO14 campaign are:
R12: February 20
R13: February 27
R14: March 6
R15: March 13
R16: March 20
Final: March 27
After consulting with key PRO14 stakeholders, the Guinness
PRO14 Rainbow Cup was chosen as the best pathway to
finish up the current campaign and introduce South Africa’s
THE
four ‘Super’ teams: the Vodacom SPIRIT
Bulls; Emirates Lions; Cell
OF
C Sharks and DHL Stormers. This decision also allows our
European-based sides to earn qualification for European
Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) tournaments in 2021/22 in
a fair and equitable manner.
Ahead of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa,
the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will provide a ground-
Once Round 16 has been completed, the top-ranked teams
from each conference will qualify for the 2021/22 Heineken
Champions Cup. Requirement for play-offs is under review.
UNITED RUGBY
GUINNESS PRO14 “RAINBOW CUP”
breaking spectacle for fans who will see international star FORGING NEW RIVALRIES
players from north and south establish new rivalries in their
bid for the ultimate Test selection.
With South Africa preparing to host their first British & Irish
Lions tour since 2009, the World Cup champions will see
Right through until the last kick of the ball in the Rainbow their ‘Super’ teams – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers
Cup in June, fans will be able to watch it all unfold with our take on the very best that Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales
CHAMPIONSHIP.
broadcast partners Premier Sports, eir Sport, S4C, TG4,
have to offer.
DAZN and Super Sport.
How it will Work
Players aiming to make the British & Irish Lions squad will
find no better trial environment to test themselves in, as
they go up against the likes of Siya Kolisi, Pieter Steph du
Toit (both DHL Stormers), Duane Vermeulen (Vodacom
Bulls), Elton Jantjies (Emirates Lions) and former Guinness
PRO14 top-try scorer Makazole Mapimipi (Cell C Sharks).
The Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will kick off on April 17
with two pools of 8 teams made up of two Irish, two South
African, two Welsh, one Italian and one Scottish club. Each
team will play one game against each pool opponent and
the sides that finish top of their pools will face off in a final
on June 19.
Across 57 matches, the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup will
feature the best of the Springbok talent going toe-to-toe
with some of the British & Irish Lions’ biggest names – every
one of them keen to lay down a marker to their respective
selectors ahead of what will prove to an historic tour.
Enjoy responsibly
The oval trim design is a registered trademark of Gilbert Rugby.
Rounds 12 to 16 will take place from February 20 and
conclude on March 20. A final will then take place at the
home venue of the highest-ranked team. This abbreviated
DISCOVER THE SPIRIT WITHIN |
#SAVOURTHEMOMENT

THE BIG MATCH
PREVIEW
after committing himself to the province by
signing a new three-year deal.
The Roscommon native, who made his debut
for the first team in 2012, is an integral part
of head coach Andy Friend’s plans with the
Westerners and his retention and commitment
to the club is another feather in the cap for
the Sportsground team.
Head coach Andy Friend
believes Connacht are in a
good place after the break
in their season for the
international window.
The Westerners have had over a month off
since their last outing, the excellent 36-11
win over Ulster at the Aviva Stadium, allowing
players and staff alike to rest and recuperate.
Connacht now go into a ten-week block of
games, but Friend is confident that his team
can begin this period on their best foot when
Ospreys visit Galway on Friday, kick-off 19:35
“We’re in a good spot. We all had a break and
three good weeks of training. We’ve got most
of our internationals back, which is good,” the
Australian said.
“We’ve had three really good weeks of
continual work and we’re focusing on these
first two games. We’ve got ten games, we’ve
got Christmas in there, we’ve got New Year
in there, we’ve got European games in there,
URC games in there, and Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday games.
“All we can do is zone in on these next two weeks,
which is Ospreys and Leinster, two Friday night
games and we’re looking forward to those.”
Ospreys arrive in Galway with a strong record
in their opening five United Rugby Championship
games, boasting four wins and a loss.
Friend says that Connacht will need to be at their
best at the breakdown to attack the Welshmen,
who the former Australian Sevens coach rates
among the best teams so far this season, an
opinion which reflects their impressive statistics.
“They have been one of the quality sides when
you look at their stats across the board, in
terms of metres gained up the field, in terms of
their turnovers — they have the least amount of
turnovers in the competition. They have a very
good disciplinary record and don’t give away
many penalties. Access into the game is going to
be very tricky. We’ll have a tough night on Friday
night, we know that. They’re a formidable outfit.
Elsewhere Ireland international out-half Jack
Carty says he is excited for Connacht’s future
While Carty is delighted to spend the next three
years with Connacht, his immediate focus
remains on Friday’s home clash versus the
Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship.
“Being on the periphery of the Irish team,
people kind of presumed you would look to
move elsewhere, but the main thing for me
was I felt I was getting better as a player and
better as a leader.
“Then obviously being close to family and
stuff like that that you can’t measure if you
go somewhere else. I think the change-up
we’ve had in the coaching staff this year has
massively benefited my game. It was really a
clear-cut decision for myself and I am really
enjoying where we’re at and where we’re going,”
the Irish international said of his decision to
extend his contract.
Carty, 29, says that the alterations to
Connacht’s game plan — albeit slight and subtle
— suit his best attributes as a Rugby player. He
gave credit to the three new coaches in the
Westerners’ backroom team, Mossy Lawler,
Dewald Senekal, and Colm Tucker, alongside
Friend and Pete Wilkins, for their role in the
team’s growth.
“Yeah, that’s how I would have played
Rugby growing up, in terms of the different
coaches with Pat(Lam), KK(Kieran Keane) and
Friendy’s(Andy Friend) first couple of years.
They were different, but quite similar with the
role the 10 played.
“It was a lot of facilitating how the shape
worked, but now I feel I can get my hands on
the ball and ask questions of defenders while
also having the ability to look for kick space,
which is something we’ve probably seen in the
last few years.
“The element of the running game is definitely
something I have enjoyed and carrying the ball
to the line and putting players through holes.
I feel like I have a freedom that may not have
had before.”

Pro team PROFILES
bundee
aki
Centre
sammy
arnold
Centre
jack
aungier
Prop
finlay
bealham
Prop
Caolin
blade
Scrum Half
shayne
bolton
Centre
Paul
Boyle
Back Row
denis
buckley
Prop
matthew
burke
Prop
Laya Healthcare are proud to be
Official Health and Wellbeing Partner
to Connacht Rugby
Jarrad
Butler
Back Row
jack
Carty
Out Half
tom
daly
Centre
shane
delahunt
Hooker
Ultan
Dillane
Second Row
oisin
dowling
Back Row
jordan
duggan
Prop
Tom
Farrell
Centre
Leva
Fifita
Second Row

Pro team PROFILES
Conor
Fitzgerald
Out Half
mack
hansen
Out Half / Back
Three
Matt
healy
Back Three
dave
heffernan
Hooker
sam
illo
Prop
kieran
marmion
Scrum Half
eoghan
Masterson
Back Row
Sean
Masterson
Back Row
greg
Mcgrath
Prop
Oran
Mcnulty
Back Three
Jonny
Murphy
Hooker
Niall
Murray
Second Row
Ben
O’Donnell
Back Three
Tiernan
O’Halloran
Back Three
Conor
Oliver
Back Row
OFFICIAL ENERGY DRINK PARTNER
OF CONNACHT RUGBY
Abraham
Papali’i
Back Row
John
Porch
Back Three
Cian
Prendergast
Back Row

Pro team PROFILES
Colm
reilly
Scrum Half
peter
robb
Centre
Dominic
Robertson-
Mccoy
Prop
Peter
Sullivan
Back Three
Gavin
Thornbury
Second Row
Dylan
Tierney-Martin
Hooker
Alex
Wootton
Back Three
20 CONNACHT RUGBY

LATEST TICKET
OFFERINGS
in memoriam
Everyone at Connacht was deeply saddened to learn of the
passing of two beloved friends recently - Ray McLoughlin and
Brendan O’Brien.
Ray McLoughlin was born in Ballinasloe Co. Galway in 1939 and attended Garbally College. Over
16 years he represented Connacht 34 times, making him one of our most capped players of
the amateur era. He also earned 40 caps for Ireland and captained the national side on seven
occasions.
In 1966 McLoughlin became the first Connacht player ever to represent the British & Irish Lions,
touring Australia & New Zealand and featuring in three Test matches as well as 14 provincial fixtures.
He was called up the Lions again in 1971 for the tour of New Zealand, which was unfortunately cut
short due to injury.
McLoughlin is regularly mentioned as one of Ireland’s greatest ever props and he leaves an
immeasurable impact on rugby in the West of Ireland.
We were also saddened to hear of Brendan O’Brien’s death. Brendan was born in Kerry and moved
to Galway when he was 7, and has been a strong Connacht supporter since the 1960’s. He has
acted as a steward at The Sportsground since the 1990’s, and was a regular traveller to many
away games.
Connacht Rugby sends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ray and Brendan. May
they rest in peace.

4 CONNACHT RUGBY

Anthony Ryans
Official formalwear
supplier to Connacht
Rugby
DESIGNING, WEAVING & TAILORING
Proud partner of Connacht Rugby
facebook.com/anthonyryans
40 CONNACHT RUGBY

www.connachtrugby.ie 57
www.connachtrugby.ie 49

OFFICIAL COACH
PROVIDER
OF
CONNACHT RUGBY
DRIVING
CONNACHT
RUGBY
FORWARDS
IN THE R AIN,
HAIL OR SHINE
B OOK ONLINE AT w w w .city link.ie or call 0 9 1 5 6 4 1 6 4