Irish & International Sports News, Fixtures & Results

Jarrad Butler dejected at the final whistle

Connacht must use hurt to motivate - Friend

The hurt from the manner of the defeat to Leinster must be a lesson for Connacht for future matches, according to head coach Andy Friend.

Rugby • 23 Dec 18

Rory O'Loughlin is one of only three players to keep his place in the Leinster team from last week's victory over Bath

Half a dozen changes for Leinster, Dillane returns

Leinster retain only three players from the side that defeated Bath last weekend, while Connacht head coach Andy Friend changes up two-thirds of his side for the interprovincial clash at the RDS.

Rugby • 21 Dec 18

Tom Daly has made 12 appearances for Leinster since making his debut against Zebre in November 2016

Connacht 'delighted' with loan signing of Tom Daly

Tom Daly has joined Connacht on loan from Leinster until the end of the current season.

Rugby • 18 Dec 18

Andy Friend: "Every game offers its challenges as well as its opportunities."

Friend: Leinster arguably the best team in the world

Andy Friend believes Connacht are going up against "arguably the world's best team" when they travel to the RDS on Saturday night, but he's backing his men to put it up to Leinster and end a 16-year wait for victory in Dublin.

Rugby • 18 Dec 18

Connacht's Peter McCabe and Darragh Leader celebrate
their victory

Heffernan: 'There's a lot of good things happening'

Connacht captain Dave Heffernan said the good vibes just keep on coming for the Westerners who are now relishing the chance to bloody the nose of their provincial rivals over the festive period.

Rugby • 15 Dec 18

The Sportsground was battered by wind and rain

Andy Friend: 'We had two seasons - autumn & winter'

Connacht head coach Andy Friend joked that his wingers had hypothermia and the Australian contingent were left scratching their heads after the Westerners scrapped past Perpignan in awful conditions at the Sportsground.

Rugby • 09 Dec 18

Paul Boyle has made seven appearances for Connacht this season

Connacht's Paul Boyle pens first professional deal

Connacht backrower Paul Boyle has signed his first professional contract after impressing for Andy Friend's side since making his debut earlier this year.

Rugby • 21 Nov 18

Colm De Buitlear is on the bench for his side's clash with Bordeaux Bégles

Connacht academy players on the bench against Bordeaux

Connacht head coach Andy Friend has named two academy players on the bench for his side's opening Challenge Cup game against Bordeaux Bégles at the Sportsground on Saturday (kick off 3pm).

Rugby • 12 Oct 18

Gavin Thornbury has signed a new contract with Connacht

Thornbury pens new deal with Connacht

Connacht lock Gavin Thornbury has committed his immediate future to the province by signing a new two-year deal with the Westerners.

Rugby • 11 Oct 18

Connacht claimed their second win of the Pro 14 season at home to Scarlets

Friend hails 'special scalp' against Scarlets

Connacht coach Andy Friend hailed a 'special scalp' after the westerners defeated Scarlets in the Guinness Pro 14 in the Sportsground this evening.

Rugby • 22 Sep 18

Paul Boyle ran in two tries for Connacht

Age no barrier for Boyle as Friend hails try-scorer

New Connacht coach Andy Friend reckons forward Paul Boyle is going to get better and better.

Rugby • 09 Sep 18

Andy Friend: "There was a lot of good things to take out of that game. Sometimes it gets clouded by the result"

Connacht coach Friend stresses positives after loss

Connacht coach Andy Friend said there were plenty of positives for his side to take after their one-point loss to Glasgow Warriors in their Pro14 opener in the Sportsground on Saturday.

Rugby • 01 Sep 18

Jarrad Butler at the launch of the new Pro14 season today in Glasgow

Friend reveals process of appointing Butler captain

Connacht head coach Andy Friend has revealed the process that led to Jarrad Butler being appointed the province's new captain as part of a new era at the Sportsground.

Rugby • 22 Aug 18