The Irish Times

Champions Cup: After festive famine, January feast begins this weekend

Connacht hope to make history, Leinster seek vengeance, Ulster hit hard by injuries

Sat Jan 15 2022 - 09:30

Connacht sense a big opportunity to tame the Tigers

High-flying Leicester make their first visit to the formidable Sportsground for key clash

Fri Jan 14 2022 - 18:30

Ulster game will be a defining one for Connacht’s season

Andy Friend knows his squad face battle to close points gap with three rival provinces

Wed Oct 20 2021 - 06:00

Andy Friend still waiting on an explanation from URC and referees

Connacht head coach: ‘It’s not witch-hunting, it’s just trying to get clarity on what are the standards’

Tue Oct 19 2021 - 14:11

Leinster ring the changes for trip to Connacht

Home side hoping to build upon last-gasp victory over Connacht

Fri May 07 2021 - 14:45

Connacht target rare win across the water to secure European quarter-final spot

Andy Friend optimistic his province can produce third win against a Premiership side

Sat Apr 03 2021 - 01:00

Connacht mix things up for visit of Edinburgh

Cian Prendergast and centre Sean O’Brien are both handed their first starts

Fri Mar 12 2021 - 12:43

Munster overcome gutsy Connacht to reach Pro14 final

Munster bench had a big impact as questionable refereeing decisions go their way

Fri Mar 05 2021 - 21:56

Pro14: Munster-Connacht rivalry set to take on a sharper edge

Johann van Graan’s side eyeing place in final as Andy Friend’s squad travel in expectation

Fri Mar 05 2021 - 11:01

Connacht back to winning ways at the Sportsground

Alex Wootton inspires bonus point win over Cardiff with Jack Carty pulling strings

Sat Feb 20 2021 - 22:27

Jack is back: Carty overcomes self-doubt and returns to form

Clearly a thoughtful and sensitive soul, he plays better when he feels the coach’s trust

Sat Jan 09 2021 - 08:00

‘I was kinda lost’ - Tom Daly on the call that changed everything

Centre owes a debt to Lansdowne and Mike Ruddock, after finding his feet out west

Thu Jan 07 2021 - 06:00

Connacht come within a score of massive upset against Racing 92

Irish province had an opportunity to take full points with the last play of the game

Sun Dec 13 2020 - 20:10

Connacht use visit of Benetton to give as many players as possible match time

Italians travel to Galway without the 10 internationals named in Franco Smith’s Azzurri team to face Wales

Thu Dec 03 2020 - 20:51

Colm Reilly and Conor Kenny given first starts for Connacht

Coach Andy Friend says province well primed for Pro14 clash with Scarlets

Sat Nov 14 2020 - 01:01

Connacht set to get international boost for trip to Rodney Parade

A number of Ireland players in line to return for game against the Dragons

Wed Nov 04 2020 - 06:00

Sporting Upsets: Connacht’s greatest day as they claim title glory

Pat Lam’s charges completed unlikely Pro12 triumph on memorable day in Murrayfield

Mon Sept 28 2020 - 01:00

The 1975’s Matt Healy: ‘Seamus Heaney has always been a massive influence’

On the band’s new album, what will be ‘normal’ after Covid, and 'badass' Greta Thunberg

Sat May 16 2020 - 05:00

The 1975 at 3Arena, Dublin: Everything you need to know

Set list, stage times, ticket information and more for the uber-smart pop-rockers’ Irish night

Mon Mar 02 2020 - 06:00

Connacht battle to victory in Port Elizabeth despite red and yellow cards

Playoff hopes remain alive as they keep up 100% record over Southern Kings

Sun Mar 01 2020 - 17:28

Irish internationals return as Connacht face Southern Kings

Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan both in the squad for Sunday’s Pro14 encounter

Fri Feb 28 2020 - 13:06

Connacht seek Dillane’s release from Irish camp for Edinburgh clash

Recent injury to Thornbury has further reduced coach Friend’s second row options

Wed Feb 19 2020 - 06:00

Leinster to face Saracens, the opponents nobody wanted

Formidable champions Saracens can focus fully on European quarter-final test

Mon Jan 20 2020 - 01:00

Connacht determined to make Montpellier clash count for something

With no hope of qualifying for knockout stages, this will be about performance and pride

Sat Jan 18 2020 - 06:00

Andy Friend names strong Connacht XV for trip to Montpellier

Province out but Bundee Aki starts and Kieran Marmion returns to action in France

Fri Jan 17 2020 - 13:05

Connacht’s Irish internationals return for Toulouse challenge

Scrumhalf Stephen Kerins is handed his first Champions Cup start for visit of Toulouse

Fri Jan 10 2020 - 13:40

Jarrad Butler returns to captain Connacht at Kingsholm

Jack Carty also returns to the fold as Andy Friend’s side take on Cipriani’s Gloucester

Fri Dec 06 2019 - 13:25

Bundee Aki celebrates new deal with a try

Ireland centre scores on first Pro14 match of the season for Connacht after extending contract

Sat Nov 30 2019 - 19:48

Toulouse to test Connacht’s never-say-die attitude

Godwin and Porch named on the wings for the Irish side, with Farrell coming into midfield

Fri Nov 22 2019 - 18:13

The Offload: Connacht stay grounded as they fly to Toulouse

A trip to France is next for Friend’s side after they secure a famous win over Montpellier

Mon Nov 18 2019 - 11:28

Connacht defy injuries and the odds to topple Montpellier

Friend’s side produce a mighty performance and start Champions Cup campaign in style

Sun Nov 17 2019 - 18:06

Aki and Carty set for Connacht returns against Leinster on Friday

Coach Andy Friend delighted with contract extensions for Connacht trio

Tue Nov 05 2019 - 16:06

Gerry Thornley: Storm brewing as Samoa bid to take anger out on Ireland

Gluey slugfest with bristling Pacific Islanders is the last thing Joe Schmidt’s side need

Mon Oct 07 2019 - 15:15

Munster make four changes as Connacht target first win

New Ulster signing Bill Johnston makes his competitive debut against Toyota Cheetahs

Fri Oct 04 2019 - 13:04