We're now seven years into what appears to be an unofficial exchange programme between Connacht and Bristol Bears.
Pat Lam laid the tarmac on what’s now become a well-travelled road between the two clubs when he left Connacht to move to the then-English Championship side in the summer of 2017, and over the next few seasons that road has seen a steady flow of traffic.
First, his assistant Conor McPhillips followed him across the Irish Sea, and when promotion to the Premiership was secured in 2018 two other ex-Connacht men followed suit – flanker Jake Heenan and second row Aly Muldowney, the latter of whom spent time at Grenoble in between.
Niyi Adeolokun, Peter McCabe and Stephen Kerins also traded Galway for the south-west of England, while John Muldoon linked up with Lam when he retired from playing in 2019, before returning to Connacht as a coach in 2023.
In the last year, Ireland international Kieran Marmion swapped the Sportsground for Ashton Gate, with second row Joe Joyce going the other way, while in the last few seasons the sides have crossed paths on numerous occasions in pre-season and European games, the latest of which was a fortnight ago.
Piers O’Conor is the latest to make the move from Bristol to the Dexcom Stadium.
"I can't say there is a direct link, I think it's just one of those coincidences," the 29-year-old says of trading between the two sides.
"It's weird because I know Pat [Lam] had nothing to do with my transition here, and I don't think either had Joycey [Joe Joyce].
"But then with Marmo [Kieran Marmion] going over to the other side...I don't think there was a trend like, I think it's just one of those weird coincidences and sometimes that happens in rugby. And I think if you look elsewhere, you may see some others.
"I don't know. But like I said, there was no sort of correlation between the two, so I can't say. I think it's just one of those coincidences."
While the established link between the teams didn’t directly influence his decision to join Pete Wilkins’ side this season, the versatile back did admit that the various signings back and forth provided a level of comfort when he made his decision to sign.
"I think knowing people at clubs already, I think helps your transition, helps your decision-making. You have a sort of confidant on the inside who you can ask questions for before you sign. The positives and negatives, things to look forward to. Those kind of things always helps.
"[Joe Joyce] is a hell of a man, loved everywhere he goes. It was exactly the same in Bristol. He was loved by the fans, loved by the city, and also one of one of the favourites in the changing room. And it's exactly the same here. And he helped me massively with my transition. I chat with him loads.
"Same with Mul [Muldoon]. I chat with him a fair bit, John Muldoon (below). And, I think knowing boys here definitely helps. But like I said, the squad is quality, they’ve been really welcoming, and it's been it's been a nice change.
"Everyone talks so well about the city and how much fun it is, and just sort of the nature of the club. I think it's a very welcoming club. A club that has some serious aspirations in what they want to achieve.
"And, like, I spoke to Heens - or Jake Heenan - and he loved his time here. Same with Marmo. Same with John Muldoon. I don't think I had a single bad word about Connacht apart from the weather," he added.
Like Joyce, O’Conor’s move to Connacht was made easier by the fact that he’s Irish qualified.
Born in Australia, the centre was raised in England and played in a non-Test game for England in 2021, but remains Irish qualified [IQ] through his grandfather Desmond.
After a spell at Ealing, O’Conor moved to Bristol in 2018 and played more than 170 times for the Bears, winning a Challenge Cup in 2020, but after six years at the club he felt the time was right for a change.
"Why did I pick Connacht? It's just a great opportunity.
"I spoke to Pete [Wilkins] about what they want, and the squad that they have. And I felt like this is a real good opportunity for me to further my rugby.
"I needed a new challenge. I think my time in the Premiership was probably...I think I needed to step away from that, to step out of my comfort zone. And I think Ireland and Connacht, as an island, as a country, and moving away from England, and coming to Galway was an exciting prospect."
The province have already tapped into his versatility. O’Conor started his first two pre-season games at full-back, before switching to outside centre when he returned to face his former side Bristol two weeks ago.
He remained in the 13 shirt for last week’s URC opener against Munster, but spent the majority of the game on the wing after a first half injury to Shayne Bolton.
And as the province prepare to welcome the Sharks to Galway on Saturday evening, he’s making his case for selection in midfield.
"I want to play 13," he replied, when asked what his most natural position is.
"That's the position I feel most comfortable, and I feel like I can impact the game most on, and that's the one I'm going to be pushing for to play most minutes at.
"But like I said, if the team need me to play somewhere else, I'll play somewhere else. I'm happy to play wherever. But, yeah, I feel most comfortable and most effective at 13."
Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch Zebre v Munster in the URC on Saturday from 2.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
