Connacht Launches New Era Under Lancaster with Bold Changes

Connacht Rugby embarks on a new chapter this Saturday as they face Benetton Rugby in the opening match of the 2025/26 BKT United Rugby Championship (URC). Under the leadership of new head coach Stuart Lancaster, the team showcases significant changes, with only four players from last season’s final lineup retaining their starting positions.

The match takes place at Dexcom Stadium in Galway, kicking off at 19:45 (IRE & UK) and 20:45 (ITA & SA), with Chris Allison officiating the game. Connacht enters the match with a revised squad aimed at demonstrating Lancaster’s commitment to fresh talent and innovative strategies. The four players who maintain their spots from the last match against Zebre are Josh Murphy, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Paul Boyle, and Shayne Bolton.

Initially, bookmakers favored Connacht by -7.5 points, but after Benetton announced a strong lineup that includes several Italian internationals, the line adjusted to -4.5. As of now, Connacht is positioned as -6 favorites, reflecting home advantage and a robust pre-season performance.

Newcomer Sean Naughton will make his URC debut at full-back, while Paul Boyle leads the team as captain, marking his 117th cap. The starting pack features a dynamic back row consisting of Boyle, Hurley-Langton, and Sean Jansen, with Niall Murray and Josh Murphy in the second row. The front row comprises Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, and Sam Illo.

In the half-back positions, Caolin Blade partners with Josh Ioane, while Cathal Forde and Byron Ralston form the midfield combination. The back three includes Bolton and Chay Mullins, adding agility and speed to the lineup.

Benetton arrives with a formidable squad, presenting a challenge with key players such as Michele Lamaro, Tommaso Menoncello, and Malakai Fekitoa. Ivan Nemer is set to celebrate his 50th cap, while Louis Werchon and So’otala Fa’aso’o will make their debuts in this highly anticipated match. Jacob Umaga will direct play from the fly-half position, supported by Onisi Ratave and Louis Lynagh on the wings.

“It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us. We had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport, so I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running,” Lancaster noted. He acknowledged the strength of Benetton, stating, “They are a strong side full of internationals, and every point is vital. I know there’s lots of excitement around the province so I’m sure the fans will harness that energy into getting behind the group for this opener.”

Benetton’s head coach, Calum MacRae, expressed respect for Connacht, emphasizing the need for constant pressure and intensity. “The important thing will be to apply constant pressure and play with intensity from the start,” he said.

The last time these teams met, Connacht narrowly secured a victory with a score of 38–30. This match showcased Connacht’s impressive lineout success rate of 91.4%, the highest in the league, and highlighted the need to improve their red zone conversion rate, which stood at 2.55 points per entry last season, the lowest in the URC.

With both teams eager to start the season on a high note, this clash promises to be a tightly contested encounter. If Connacht can maintain their lineout dominance and convert scoring opportunities effectively, Lancaster may mark his first URC game with a victory. Predictions suggest a close match, with Connacht expected to win by 4–6 points.