Like going back to school – but in a good way.
That's how Joe Joyce describes life under new head coach Stuart Lancaster at Connacht.
Highly regarded from his time as senior coach with rivals Leinster between 2016 and 2023, Lancaster joined the Westerners at the end of last season in a shock appointment after a spell with Racing 92.
The former England boss started life at the Dexcom Stadium with a bonus-point win over Benetton and then had their BKT URC round-two clash against Scarlets called off at late notice due to travel disruptions caused by Storm Amy.
Reeling from a 13th-place finish in the United Rugby Championship, there’s a real sense of a new sherriff in town at the province, who parted ways with head coach Pete Wilkins last April.
"I’m 31 now but I felt like in the meetings, I’m learning the game again," said second row Joyce, who has made 38 appearances for the province since joining from home club Bristol in 2023.
"The education side of it and how he sees the game, the meetings are longer but I feel like I’m learning again.
"It’s interesting. I’m worrying about things I wouldn’t usually worry about.
"Like now, I’m worried about the backfield because you can’t help but listen and be intrigued by what he’s saying.
"The game-management side of things has gone up another level."
On the training pitch as well, Joyce says there is a sense of renewal.
"It’s gone up another level but we’ve got used to it," said the lock forward, whose side travel to Wales to face Cardiff on Saturday evening (7.45pm).
"Everything we’ve done has had a rugby element to it.
"The pre-season was one of the toughest I’ve ever done but everything came back to rugby.
"There was no pointless running or anything like that and it’s showing how healthy our squad is.
"I’ve had a lot of pre-seasons, they’ve been difference. There’s no right way or wrong way but this is one, with the rugby elements, that I prefer.
"You naturally get [new energy] in a new season anyway and then the [situation] we’re in now certainly gives you a lift and there’s a few new coaches and fresh faces always give you a lift.
"'Easy Mondays' are gone, we are training at an intensity that is harder than a game.
"We are pushing more from each other and there’s a belief in how we are trying to play."
While Connacht started last season in a positive fashion, winning three of their first six games, they only managed three more victories in the league.
Hooker Dave Heffernan says there is no option but to improve on that.
"Last year was unacceptable," said the Mayo man.
"To finish 13th is not where we need to be. There is going to be a massive improvement this year."
Between the URC and Challenge Cup, Connacht played and beat Cardiff three times last season.
Heffernan (above), who has seven Ireland caps, admits that Corniel van Zyl’s side, narrowly beaten by Munster in Limerick last weekend, will feel like they owe them one.
"They are a very tough side to play against," said the 34-year-old.
"They probably should have beaten us over there last year.
"They have breakdown threats everywhere. They are a tough team to break down.
"We know they’ll be out to get us, they’ll feel like they owe us one. It will be a massive physical battle ahead."
