The Irish Times

Connacht Rugby season preview: Good start essential if Friend’s men are to reach their goal

Upheaval and season format against them but Connacht will aim to defy the odds again

Thu Sept 23 2021 - 06:00

Connacht coping with Covid case and injuries ahead of trip to Edinburgh

Coach Andy Friend targets his first away win against Scottish side

Thu Oct 22 2020 - 07:00

Andy Friend: 'We know if we run straight into them we will probably lose that battle’

Connacht coach says self-belief is still high ahead of Montpellier clash

Sat Nov 16 2019 - 06:00

Bundee Aki back as Connacht face Montpellier in Galway

Ultan Dillane eases Andy Friend’s secondrow woes for Sunday’s Champions Cup clash

Fri Nov 15 2019 - 13:15

Injuries force Connacht to make changes as they face unbeaten Cheetahs

Andy Friend brings in Stephen Fitzgerald at fullback, with Adeolokun introduced on the right wing, and Porch switching to the left

Fri Oct 25 2019 - 14:57

Connacht make one change as they target victory in Dragons’ den

Friend says side must be clinical in attack and defence on top form to prevail in Wales

Thu Oct 10 2019 - 18:30

Carty, Marmion and Dillane all back in Connacht squad

Trio of Irish internationals return to training prior to must-win Pro14 fixture against Benetton

Wed Mar 20 2019 - 06:00

Kieran Marmion is back in the Connacht team

Academy player Conor Fitzgerald starts at outhalf for Glasgow Warriors clash

Thu Feb 21 2019 - 14:07

Kieran Marmion returns as Irish contingent named in Connacht XV

Loan signing Stephen Fitzgerald will make his first Connacht start against the Cheetahs

Fri Feb 15 2019 - 12:14

Connacht coach Andy Friend laments missed opportunity in Cardiff

‘We had ample opportunities to get scores and control the game better'

Mon Jan 28 2019 - 06:31

Rugby: Who’s in and who’s out at the Irish provinces

Leinster contemplate Contepomi as Munster look forward to Carbery’s influence

Wed Aug 01 2018 - 06:00

Connacht in confident mood ahead of tricky Worcester test

Kieran Keane's pool five leaders intent on nailing down a home European quarter-final

Wed Jan 10 2018 - 06:00

Munster’s solid defence helps topple depleted Connacht

Emphasis on line speed and aggression in tackles pays off for Johann van Graan’s side

Mon Jan 08 2018 - 06:00

Munster ease to bonus-point victory over Connacht

The host’s pack produced a relentless intensity that wore down a gutsy Connacht

Sat Jan 06 2018 - 21:57

Connacht braced for ‘emotional battle’ with Munster

Defence coach Peter Wilkins views Munster as more dangerous on back of two defeats

Fri Jan 05 2018 - 07:00

Paul Boyle ready to lead injury-hit Ireland under-20s to Georgia

No playing survivors remain from the side beaten in last year’s World Cup final

Thu May 18 2017 - 06:00

Coláiste Iognáid secure 14th Connacht Senior Schools Cup title

The Jes have too much nouse for plucky Summerhill College at the Sportgsround

Wed Mar 15 2017 - 18:18

Jack Kelly in line for Ireland Under-20 return in Wales

Fullback has recovered from shoulder injury ahead of Saturday’s game

Mon Mar 06 2017 - 19:05

Opportunity knocks for Ireland under-20 fringe players

Injuries force coach Nigel Carolan’s hand for crunch game against France

Thu Feb 23 2017 - 16:44

Carolan rings the changes for French exam

Ireland coach names his Under-20s side to face France on Friday night

Wed Feb 22 2017 - 14:27

Ireland under-20s forced to make changes due to injuries

Backs hoping to make significant gains against Italian side in Prato

Thu Feb 09 2017 - 17:05

Calvin Nash comes into Ireland under-20s side for Italy clash

Nigel Carolan has made two changes to his side to take on Italy in Rome this weekend

Wed Feb 08 2017 - 13:18

Paul Boyle’s late try secures opening win for Ireland

Scotland had late chance to turn the tables on Nigel Carolan’s side

Fri Feb 03 2017 - 22:43

Cillian Gallagher plays down worries that Ireland Under-20s lack ‘grunt’

Flanker emphasises importance of mindset ahead of Six Nations opener in Scotland

Fri Feb 03 2017 - 01:02

Ireland’s Jack Kelly takes inspiration from Leinster young guns

Fullback will be sixth consecutive Under-20 captain from Dublin school St Michael’s

Fri Jan 27 2017 - 13:37

Connacht bring three Ireland Under-20 players into academy

Nigel Carolan recruits Cillian Gallagher, Stephen Kerins and Conor Kenny

Mon Jul 18 2016 - 12:55

Cillian Gallagher latest injury worry for Ireland Under-20s

Nigel Carolan puts Matthew Cosgrove on standby ahead of semi-final with New Zealand

Fri Jun 17 2016 - 01:00

History Boys: The Irish Under-20 squad that defeated New Zealand

The 23 on Ireland duty in the famous 33-34 victory over New Zealand in the Under-20 World Championship

Mon Jun 13 2016 - 14:24

Ireland under-20s prepare for tough opener against Wales

Manchester City venue should help team prepare for toughest pool since 2008

Tue Jun 07 2016 - 01:00

Ireland see off Scotland but tougher challenges lie ahead

Under-20 side move on to Junior World Championship in June

Fri Mar 18 2016 - 21:52

U20 Six Nations: Clinical Wales quick to capitalise on Irish mistakes

Home side will be suitably frustrated following an error-strewn performance

Fri Feb 05 2016 - 22:32

Ireland Under-20s: James Ryan to lead from front against Wales

Ireland have bulkier pack this season and will aim for strong start at Donnybrook

Fri Feb 05 2016 - 01:00

Nigel Carolan names Ireland U20 side for opener against Wales

Lansdowne’s James Ryan to captain new-look side

Wed Feb 03 2016 - 16:54