2015–16 Connacht Rugby season

June 2020 June 2020 Connacht 2015–16 Willie Ruane Chief executive Pat Lam Head coach John Muldoon Pro12 2nd (champions) Challenge Cup Quarter-finals Jack Carty (99) Matt Healy (13) 7,800 v Glasgow Warriors21 May 2016 3,274 v Cardiff Blues3 October 2015 5,217 _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_15-16b _connacht_home_15-16b 15835c 15835c 15835c 15835c 15835c _connacht_away_15-16b _connacht_away_15-16b _connacht_away_15-16b _connacht_away_15-16b _connacht_away_15-16b 05683a FFFFFF 05683a 1b2139 1b2139 _connacht_europe_15-16 _connacht_europe_15-16 _connacht_europe_15-16 _connacht_europe_15-16 _connacht_europe_15-16 040412 040412 040412 040412 040412 2014–15 2016–17 The 2015–16 season was Irish provincial rugby union side Connacht Rugby's fifteenth season competing in the Pro12, and the team's twentieth season as a professional side. It was Pat Lam's third season in charge of the side. Connacht finished the season as league champions after defeating Leinster in the 2016 Pro12 Grand Final, the team's first trophy in its 131-year history. As well as playing in the Pro12, Connacht competed in the Challenge Cup in Europe, having lost a play-off to enter the Champions Cup. The second-tier side the Connacht Eagles competed in the 2015–16 British and Irish Cup. Background Competition schedule Having finished seventh in the 2014–15 Pro12 Connacht were entered into a play-off to qualify for the 2015–16 Champions Cup, but were beaten by Gloucester after extra time.https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/32803113 BBC Sport Champions Cup play-off: Gloucester 40-32 Connacht 28 September 2015 24 May 2015 Following this defeat, Connacht were entered into the Challenge Cup. On 17 June 2015, Connacht were drawn into Pool 1 of the tournament along with French Top 14 side Brive, Newcastle Falcons from the English Premiership and Russian side Enisey-STM, who had entered the tournament through a qualifying competition.http://www.epcrugby.com/europeanrugbychampionscup/news/30997.php#.VYGrRflViko European heavyweights to clash following 2015/16 Pool Draws 17 June 2015 EPCRugby 18 January 2016 The early stages of the season were interrupted by the 2015 Rugby World Cup leading to a congested fixture list after the tournament ended. Due to this fixture pile up, Connacht were scheduled to play a game each week for 16 straight weeks after the tournament ended.http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/like-ireland-our-squad-will-be-put-to-the-test-34113016.html Irish Independent Like Ireland, our squad will be put to the test 16 January 2016 16 October 2015 We know that during this 16-week run of games and later in the season, we are going to be hit with injuries. Personnel changes The team came into the season without their long-serving forwards coach Dan McFarland, following his move to Glasgow Warriors. McFarland had joined Connacht as a player in 2000, where he retired and moved into coaching with the side.http://www.glasgowwarriors.org/content/dan-mcfarland Glasgow Warriors Dan McFarland 31 October 2016 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160415061921/http://www.glasgowwarriors.org/content/dan-mcfarland 15 April 2016 He was replaced in the role by Jimmy Duffy, who had previously worked for the province's academy.http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/provincial/2015/0609/706905-jimmy-duffy-is-new-connacht-forwards-coach/ RTÉ Sport Jimmy Duffy is new Connacht forwards coach 9 June 2015 31 October 2016 On the playing front, the close season saw the retirement of Michael Swift, the team's former captain who had made a record 269 appearances for the province, 184 of these coming in the league, a competition record.http://www.the42.ie/michael-swift-connacht-retiring-1948318-Feb2015/ The42 The Connacht veteran with the Celtic League / Pro12 appearance record is retiring 31 October 2016 19 February 2015 The close season also saw the departure of New Zealand centurion Mils Muliaina to Zebre one season after joining Connacht, and the previous season's loan transfers of John Cooney and Quinn Roux made permanent,http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/trio-of-connacht-halfbacks-sign-new-deals-with-the-province-30945525.html Irish Independent Trio of Connacht half-backs sign new deals with the province 31 October 2016 26 January 2015http://www.the42.ie/connacht-quinn-roux-ultan-dillane-1881140-Jan2015/ The42 Connacht have secured the futures of two promising young second rows 31 October 2016 14 January 2015 while lock Mick Kearney re-joined his home province of Leinster with Ben Marshall going in the opposite direction.http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/13465.php#.VSZonfnF-So Leinster Rugby Mick Kearney to join Leinster as 31 players put pen to paper 9 April 2015http://www.the42.ie/ben-marshall-joins-connacht-2127350-May2015/ The42.ie Leinster second/back rower Ben Marshall to join Connacht next season 27 May 2015 31 October 2016 Season Pre-season Connacht players returned to training for pre-season on 29 June 2015.http://www.connachtrugby.ie/your-pre-season-prep-for-201516/#ConnachtNews Connacht Rugby PRE SEASON PREP BEGINS FOR 2015/16 1 July 2015 31 October 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161101101821/http://www.connachtrugby.ie/your-pre-season-prep-for-201516/#ConnachtNews 1 November 2016 dead dmy-all Robbie Henshaw and Kieran Marmion were not involved, having returned to training with the Ireland squad earlier in the month, ahead of the World Cup in September.http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34885.php#.WBdv3_qLTIU Irish Rugby 45 Players Named In Ireland Training Squad 24 June 2015 31 October 2016 Nathan White was later called into the squad, following an injury to Marty Moore.http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup/irish-news/prop-nathan-white-feared-ireland-ship-had-sailed-31454603.html Irish Independent Prop Nathan White feared Ireland ship had sailed 16 August 2015 31 October 2016 Marmion did not make the final squad for the tournament.http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/35385.php#.WBd23vqLTIV Irish Rugby Ireland Squad Named For Rugby World Cup 1 September 2015 31 October 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161101042544/http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/35385.php#.WBd23vqLTIV 1 November 2016 dead Connacht played three friendlies in the run up to the season. On 7 August they faced French Top 14 side FC Grenoble, coached by former Connacht player Bernard Jackman, and were beaten 19–52 at home.http://www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-19-52-grenoble/#ConnachtNews Connacht Rugby Connacht 19 – 52 Grenoble 7 August 2015 31 October 2016 The following week saw another friendly against Top 14 side, with the team travelling to France to face Castres. Connacht were beaten again, this time by a score of 19–5.http://www.connachtrugby.ie/castres-19-5-connacht/#ConnachtNews Connacht Rugby Castres 19 – 5 Connacht 14 August 2015 31 October 2016 The side's final pre-season game came on 21 August, when they faced Irish rivals Munster in Thomond Park. Putting out a near full strength side, Connacht won their final warm up game 12–28.http://www.limerickpost.ie/2015/08/21/rugby-connacht-defeat-munster-at-thomond-park/ Limerick Post Rugby – Connacht defeat Munster at Thomond Park 21 August 2015 31 October 2016 September The opening game of the season was a home game Pro12 game against the Newport Gwent Dragons, with Connacht winning 29–23.http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/connacht-open-pro12-account-with-win-over-newport-gwent-dragons-1.2340795 Irish Times Connacht open Pro12 account with win over Newport Gwent Dragons 4 September 2015 31 October 2016 The following week saw the team travel to Scotland to face reigning champions Glasgow Warriors. After being down 23–6 at half-time, Connacht battled back in the second half but were ultimately to 33–32, earning two bonus points for the performance.https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/34212099 BBC Sport Pro12: Glasgow 33-32 Connacht 11 September 2015 31 October 2016 Following the second round, the league took a two-week break. October The competition resumed in October, with Connacht facing Cardiff Blues in Galway, earning a try bonus point with a 36–31 victory.http://www.the42.ie/connacht-36-31-cardiff-match-report-2366598-Oct2015/ The42 Connacht continue impressive start with thrilling victory over Cardiff 3 October 2015 17 May 2017 The following week saw the team face Zebre, which yielded another bonus point win.http://www.irishrugby.ie/guinnesspro12/35973.php Irish Rugby Connacht Make It Back-To-Back Bonus Point Victories 16 October 2015 17 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171105103510/http://www.irishrugby.ie/guinnesspro12/35973.php 5 November 2017 dead On 26 October, Connacht traveled to the Liberty Stadium to face the Ospreys who had been champions four times in the past. A 16–21 victory saw Connacht win away to the Welsh side for the first time since 2004.http://www.irishrugby.ie/provincial/36024.php Irish Rugby Connacht Go Joint-Top After Rare Swansea Success 24 October 2015 17 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180404060346/http://www.irishrugby.ie/provincial/36024.php 4 April 2018 dead On Halloween night, the team hosted Edinburgh at the Sportsgrounds, with a 14–9 victory the result.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18251.php Pro12 O'Halloran edges Connacht past Edinburgh 31 October 2015 17 May 2017 November On 6 November, Connacht faced Benetton Treviso in Galway, winning 33–19 without collecting a try bonus.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18322.php Pro12 Henshaw helps Connacht make it five in a row 6 November 2015 17 May 2017 The league then took a hiatus to allow European competitions, which had been delayed by the World Cup, to take place. Connacht's opening game in the Challenge Cup saw them face Russian side Enisei-STM in Krasnoyarsk. This meant a near 6,000 kilometre trip to the Siberian city, taking nine hours across two flights for the 24 man squad that traveled.http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/36145.php#.WRulaIjyvIU Irish Rugby Connacht Announce 24-Man Squad For Siberian Trip 10 November 2015 17 May 2017 The game was played in temperatures below −20 °C, but Connacht ultimately emerged as 14–31 victors, taking all five points in the process.http://www.the42.ie/connacht-enisei-stm-report-2444845-Nov2015/ The42 Connacht brave sub-zero temperatures to secure bonus-point win in Siberia 14 November 2015 17 May 2017 However, after the game Connacht's return home was delayed. A fault was found with the charter plane before takeoff. This meant alternate plans had to be made, and the travelling party was split into three, with the groups arriving back in Ireland via Amsterdam, London and Paris. Having planned to leave on the night of the game, the latest returning players had been delayed by three days, arriving on Tuesday night with a game against French side Brive to come on Saturday.https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/1116/742280-connachts-siberian-exile-almost-over/ RTÉ Sport Connacht's Siberian exile almost over 16 November 2015 17 May 2017 Despite the travel chaos and delayed return, Connacht defeated Brive 21–17 to go top of their pool.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/31570.php European Professional Club Rugby REPORT: Connacht take charge 21 November 2015 17 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160707121925/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/31570.php 7 July 2016 dead Connacht returned to Pro12 action on 28 November in their first inter-provincial derby of the season, facing Munster in Thomond Park. Having not won at the venue for 29 years, Connacht pulled off a 12–18 upset, their seventh win from the eight league games played. This left the team top of both the league and their European pool going into December.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18477.php Pro12 Aki hands Connacht victory at Munster 28 November 2015 17 May 2017 December Connacht's first game in December was away to Cardiff Blues, which ended in a 20–16 defeat.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18542.php Pro12 James helps Blues spoil Muldoon's day 4 December 2015 18 May 2017 On 11 December, Connacht faced the Newcastle Falcons in Galway in the Challenge Cup, winning 25–10.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/31800.php European Professional Club Rugby REPORT: Connacht out muscle Newcastle 11 December 2015 18 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180407191644/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/31800.php 7 April 2018 dead A week later saw the return fixture take place in Kingston Park, with Connacht losing 29–5. This left Connacht top of the pool on 13 points, with Newcastle two points behind.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32003.php European Professional Club Rugby REPORT: Falcons close gap on Connacht 20 December 2015 18 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180114104829/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32003.php 14 January 2018 dead In the final game of 2015 Connacht faced Ulster in Galway on Saint Stephen's Day, losing 3–10.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18678.php Pro12 Williams' late show ends Connacht's run at home 26 December 2015 18 May 2017 January Connacht's first game of 2016 took place on New Year's Day, when they traveled to the RDS Arena to take on Leinster, a game which ended in a 13–0 defeat.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18740.php Pro12 Leinster leapfrog Connacht thanks to van der Flier 1 January 2016 18 May 2017 On 10 January, the team faced Scarlets in Wales, and were beaten 21–19, taking their Pro12 losing streak to four games.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18812.php Pro12 Scarlets go top after edging Connacht at the death 10 January 2016 18 May 2017 The following week saw a return to European competition, with Connacht travelling to France to face Brive in a game they lost 21–18.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32284.php European Professional Club Rugby REPORT: Last ditch kick wins it for Brive 16 January 2016 18 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160707122824/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32284.php 7 July 2016 dead The following week, they faced Enisei-STM in Galway, winning 47–5 to top the group.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32411.php European Professional Club Rugby REPORT: Connacht through thanks to the Falcons 23 January 2016 18 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171105021352/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32411.php 5 November 2017 dead The losses to Brive and Newcastle meant that the team qualified for the quarter-finals with the lowest points tally of the group winners, meaning they would be the away team in their quarter-final, being drawn to face Grenoble, the fourth-highest finishing group winner.http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/36724.php#.WRz2YWgrLIU Irish Rugby Connacht Face Grenoble Trip In Quarter-finals 24 January 2016 18 May 2017 On 30 January, Connacht faced Scarlets in the Sportsgrounds and won 30–17, their first Pro12 victory since November.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/18942.php Pro12 Connacht's forward dominance sees leaders beaten 30 January 2016 18 May 2017 February There was no game in the first week of February due to the beginning of the Six Nations Championship. On 11 February, Connacht faced Newport Gwent Dragons in Rodney Parade, beating them 21–26 and earning a try bonus point to go back to the top of the table.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19044.php Pro12 Four-try Connacht back at the summit 11 February 2016 18 May 2017 The following week saw the team play Zebre in Italy, a game they won 34–51.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19140.php Pro12 Healy grabs hat-trick as Connacht turn on the style 20 February 2016 18 May 2017 In their final game of the month, Connacht faced the Ospreys in the Sportsground, winning 30–22 to extend their lead at the top of the league table.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19194.php Pro12 Five in a row for GUINNESS PRO12 leaders Connacht 27 February 2016 18 May 2017 March On 4 March, Connacht faced Edinburgh in Murrayfield and won with a bonus point to maintain their position as league leaders.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19269.php Pro12 Connacht extend their lead at the top of the table against Edinburgh 4 March 2016 19 May 2017 A break for the end of the Six Nations meant that only two games were played in March. In the second game, Connacht faced second-placed Leinster at home in an inter-provincial derby on 26 March, with a 7–6 victory seeing them extend their lead.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19416.php Pro12 Connacht's defence earns them victory in top-of-the-table clash 26 March 2016 19 May 2017 April On 1 April, Connacht faced Ulster in Kingspan Stadium with an 18–10 defeat ending their six-game winning streak in the league.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19473.php Pro12 Ulster battle past league leaders Connacht to enter top four 1 April 2016 19 May 2017 The following week saw a return to European action, with the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Grenoble taking place. Despite scoring four tries, Connacht were on the wrong side of a 33–32 scoreline.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32811.php European Professional Club Rugby REPORT: Wisniewski kicks Grenoble to slender win 9 April 2016 19 May 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20160617212128/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/32811.php 2016-06-17 dead The team returned to league action on 16 April with another inter-provincial game, this time against Munster. A bonus point win left the team in second place ahead of Glasgow with two rounds to go.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19581.php Pro12 Adeolokun double seals Connacht comeback win against Munster 16 April 2016 19 May 2017 Connacht then traveled to Italy to face bottom side Treviso, but in a shocking upset, the Italians won by a score of 22–21 thanks to a last gasp penalty from Jayden Hayward. However, the losing bonus point was enough to guarantee Connacht a top four finish and a first ever spot in the end-of-year playoffs.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19659.php Pro12 Hayward penalty sinks Connacht in Treviso 29 April 2016 19 May 2017 May On 7 May, Connacht faced Glasgow Warriors in a game that would decide home advantage for the playoff round. Connacht won 14–7 thanks to tries from Bundee Aki and Tiernan O'Halloran, to set up a home semi-final against the same opposition.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19727.php Pro12 Connacht set up home semi-final against defeated Warriors 7 May 2016 19 May 2017 That semi-final took place on 21 May, with Connacht finishing 16–11 victors to set up a final against Leinster, the province's first final in the professional era.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19795.php Pro12 Adeolokun marches Connacht into maiden Guinness PRO12 Final 21 May 2016 19 May 2017 The final took place on 28 May in Murrayfield. Connacht won the game 20–10, with tries from O'Halloran, Niyi Adeolokun and Matt Healy. Captain and man-of-the-match on the day John Muldoon lifted the trophy, the team's first title in its 131-year history.http://rd.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/19825.php Pro12 Glorious Connacht complete dream season in style 28 May 2016 19 May 2017 Coaching and Management Team Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Individuals may hold more than one non-WR nationality. Role Name Union Head coach Pat Lamhttp://www.connachtrugby.ie/#team Connacht Rugby Management Team 23 May 2014 Samoa SamoaNew Zealand-born and qualified for Samoa, Lam has represented both countries, but last played rugby for Samoa. Team Manager Tim Allnut New Zealand New Zealand Chief Executive Willie Ruanehttp://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-appoint-willie-ruane-as-new-ceo-30256914.html Irish Independent Connacht appoint Willie Ruane as new CEO 23 May 2014 8 May 2014 Ireland rugby union Ireland Forwards Coach Jimmy Duffy Ireland rugby union Ireland Backs/Kicking Coach Andre Bellhttp://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/rabo-direct-pro-12/2014/0529/620483-connacht-sign-bell-as-backs-and-kicking-coach/ RTÉ Sport Connacht sign New Zealander Andre Bell as backs and kicking coach 1 June 2014 29 May 2014 New Zealand New Zealand Skills Coach Dave Ellis New Zealand New Zealand Assistant Attack Coach/Head Performance Analyst Conor McPhillips Ireland rugby union Ireland Head of Fitness Paul Buncehttp://www.irishrugby.ie/news/31845.php#.U3-P0dJdU2A Irish Rugby New Head Of Fitness And Increased Funding For Connacht 23 May 2014 19 May 2014 New Zealand New Zealand Academy Manager Nigel Carolan Ireland rugby union Ireland Players Senior Playing Squad https://www.connachtrugby.ie/ Connacht Rugby Homepage Connacht Rugby IRL HK Jason Harris-Wright IRL HK Dave Heffernan NZL HK Tom McCartney IRL PR Rodney Ah You IRL PR Finlay Bealham IRL PR Denis Buckley IRL PR JP Cooney IRL PR Ronan Loughney IRL PR Nathan White rugby union IRL LK Andrew Browne rugby union IRL LK Ultan Dillane IRL LK Ben Marshall rugby union ENG LK Aly Muldowney* IRL LK Danny Qualter RSA LK Quinn Roux* NZL FL Nepia Fox-Matamua NZL FL Jake Heenan IRL FL Eoghan Masterson IRL FL John Muldoon rugby union, born 1982 c IRL N8 Eoin McKeon NZL N8 George Naoupu IRL SH Caolin Blade IRL SH John Cooney rugby union IRL SH Kieran Marmion IRL SH Ian Porter rugby union IRL FH Jack Carty rugby union USA FH AJ MacGinty CAN FH Shane O'Leary* NZL CE Bundee Aki IRL CE Conor Finn IRL CE Robbie Henshaw IRL CE Dave McSharry NZL CE Api Pewhairangi* IRL CE Craig Ronaldson NGA WG Niyi Adeolokun* IRL WG Fionn Carr IRL WG Matt Healy rugby union RSA WG Danie Poolman* IRL FB Darragh Leader IRL FB Tiernan O'Halloran Players qualified to play for Ireland on dual nationality or residency grounds*. Senior 15's internationally capped players in bold. Irish Provinces were limited to 4 non-Irish eligible (NIE) players and 1 non-Irish qualified player (NIQ or "Project Player"). Connacht Rugby was exempted from this under a separate development arrangement. Academy squad Ireland rugby union HK Shane Delahunt year 2 Ireland rugby union HK Jack Dineen year 2 Ireland rugby union HK Pat O'Toole year 1 Ireland rugby union PR Jamie Dever year 3 Ireland rugby union PR Conor Kyne year 1 Ireland rugby union PR Saba Meunargia year 3 Ireland rugby union PR Conán O'Donnell year 1 Ireland rugby union PR Jacob Walshe year 3 Ireland rugby union LK Seán O'Brien year 3 Ireland rugby union LK Cian Romaine year 1 Ireland rugby union FL James Connolly year 3 Ireland rugby union FL Marc Kelly year 2 Ireland rugby union FL Stephen McVeigh year 1 Ireland rugby union FL Rory Moloney year 3 Ireland rugby union SH Conor Lowndes year 1 Ireland rugby union FH Conor McKeon year 2 Ireland rugby union CE Rory Parata year 3 Ireland rugby union CE Peter Robb year 2 Ireland rugby union WG Ciaran Gaffney year 2 Ireland rugby union WG Ed O'Keefe year 1 Ireland rugby union FB Cormac Brennan year 1 Preseason transfers player movement in the Pro12 leading up to the 2015–16 season List of 2015–16 Pro12 transfers Players in LK IRE rugby union Ultan Dillane promoted from academy LK RSA Quinn Roux from IRE rugby union Leinster LK IRE rugby union Ben Marshall from IRE rugby union Leinster FL NZL Nepia Fox-Matamua from NZL Aucklandhttp://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/connacht-sign-auckland-openside-nepia-fox-matamua-1.2151565 Irish Times Connacht sign Auckland openside flanker Nepia Fox-Matamua 25 March 2015 FL IRE rugby union Eoghan Masterson promoted from academyhttp://www.the42.ie/connacht-back-rows-masterson-mckeon-1903485-Jan2015/ The42 Connacht have handed new contracts to three of their best back rows 8 September 2015 26 January 2015 SH IRE rugby union Caolin Blade promoted from academy SH IRE rugby union John Cooney from IRE rugby union Leinster FH USA AJ MacGinty from USA Life Running Eagleshttp://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/connacht-sign-usa-outhalf-aj-macginty-for-2015-16-season-1.2397607 Irish Times Connacht sign USA fly-half AJ MacGinty for next season 19 October 2015 CE NZL Api Pewhairangi from NZL New Zealand Warriorshttp://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_56403,00.html Planet Rugby Connacht have announced the signing of Ireland-qualified Api Pewhairangi from league-code NZ Warriors 19 June 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150619182542/http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0%2C25883%2C3551_56403%2C00.html 19 June 2015 Players out HK IRE rugby union Seán Henry retiredhttp://www.the42.ie/stephen-kerins-sligo-ireland-u20s-2648114-Mar2016/ The42 'Being part of Connacht is amazing at the moment' – Kerins looking up 9 March 2016 9 March 2016 local man Sean Henry played for Munster and Connacht before being forced into an early retirement due to injury. LK IRE rugby union Mick Kearney to IRE rugby union Leinster LK ENG rugby union Michael Swift retiredhttp://www.the42.ie/michael-swift-connacht-retiring-1948318-Feb2015/ The42 The Connacht veteran with the Celtic League / Pro12 appearance record Michael Swift is retiring 19 February 2015 FL IRE rugby union Willie Faloon to IRE rugby union Ulsterhttp://www.planetrugby.co.uk/story/0,25883,3825_30721,00.html Planet Rugby Connacht openside flanker Willie Faloon heading back to Ulster 10 February 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150210223409/http://www.planetrugby.co.uk/story/0%2C25883%2C3825_30721%2C00.html 10 February 2015 FL TON Mata Fifita to IRE rugby union Galway Tribesmenhttp://www.the42.ie/michael-swift-connacht-dan-mcfarland-2107827-May2015/ The42 There were emotional scenes as some Connacht legends said goodbye 16 May 2015http://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-tribesmen-continue-winning-streak/ Galway Bay FM The Galway Tribesmen continue their winning streak 21 August 2016 7 July 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160410221303/http://galwaybayfm.ie/galway-tribesmen-continue-winning-streak/ 10 April 2016 dead FH NZL Miah Nikora to ITA Petrarcahttp://rugby1823.blogosfere.it/post/540519/eccellenza-petrarca-ecco-il-maori-nikora Rugby1823.it Connacht utility back Miah Nikora joins Italian club Petrarca Rugby next season 10 June 2015 4 March 2016 16 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001851/http://rugby1823.blogosfere.it/post/540519/eccellenza-petrarca-ecco-il-maori-nikora dead FB IRE rugby union Shane Layden to IRE rugby union Ireland Sevenshttp://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/layden-gets-nod-to-join-irish-sevens-squad-in-push-for-rio-31241737.html Irish Independent Versatile back Shane Layden takes up offer to join Ireland Sevens squad from Connacht 21 May 2015 FB NZL Mils Muliaina to ITA Zebrehttp://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/mils-muliaina-to-leave-connacht-and-join-zebre-on-one-year-deal-1.2161432 Irish Times Former All-Black fullback Mils Muliaina leaves Connacht for Zebre 1 April 2015 Playing kit Connacht's official kit supplier for the season was Australian manufacturer BLK sport, in the third year of a four-year agreement to supply apparel for all of Connacht Rugby's representative teams and support staff in 2013.http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/61793/connacht-strike-new-deal-with-australian-kit-suppliers Galway Advertiser Connacht strike new deal with Australian kit suppliers 20 June 2013 Connacht's main shirt sponsors were Irish sporting retailer Lifestyle Sports. Lifestyle Sports signed a four-season deal with the province, to see their logo feature on the jersey until the end of the 2017–18 season.http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/70556/new-title-sponsor-announced-for-connacht-rugby Galway Advertiser New title sponsor announced for Connacht Rugby 27 June 2014 26 June 2014 Results Pro12 2015–16 Pro12 Regular season 4 September 2015 19:30 Connacht IRE rugby union 29–23 Report WAL Newport Gwent Dragons (1 BP) Fox-Matamua 25' mPoolman 49' mCarr 77' c Carty (1/3) Carty (4/4) 7', 8', 21', 68' Pretorius 41' cJ. Thomas 75' c Tovey (2/2) Tovey (2/2) 28', 56'Prydie (1/1) 80' Galway Sportsgrounds 3,624 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 11 September 2015 19:35 Glasgow Warriors SCO 33–32 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (2 BP) G. Bryce 30' cCummings 35' cHarley 41' c Clegg (3/3) Clegg (4/4) 10', 22', 27', 68' Jo. Cooney 46' cpenalty try 56' cPoolman 59' mFox-Matamua 75' c Carty (3/4) Carty (2/2) 7', 39' Scotstoun Stadium 6,267 Ian Davies (WRU) 3 October 2015 17:00 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 36–31 Report WAL Cardiff Blues (2 BP) Marmion 10' cFox-Matamua 22' cPoolman 26' mO'Halloran 57' cMuldowney 64' c Carty (4/5) Carty (1/2) 79' Summerhill 7' cTurnbull 33' cFish 48' cHobbs 80' c Patchell (3/3)G. Davies (1/1) Patchell (1/2) 40' Galway Sportsgrounds 3,274 Neil Hennessy (WRU) 16 October 2015 19:30 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 34–15 Report ITA Zebre Healy 7' cMarmion 21' cE. McKeon 27' mRonaldson 39' cBuckley 48' m Ronaldson (3/5) Ronaldson (1/1) 3' Berryman 35' cMeyer 78' m Padovani (1/1) Padovani (1/1) 10' Galway Sportsgrounds 3,994 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 24 October 2015 13:30 (1 BP) Ospreys WAL 16–21 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Baker 14' mTipuric 68' m S. Davies (2/5) 2', 56' Healy 27' mAki 43' c Ronaldson (1/1) Carty (2/4) 10', 19'Ronaldson (1/1) 77' Liberty Stadium 7,893 Andrew Brace (IRFU) 31 October 2015 18:45 Connacht IRE rugby union 14–9 Report SCO Edinburgh (1 BP) O'Halloran 9' m Carty (3/5) 7', 44', 55' Hidalgo-Clyne (2/2) 15', 53'Kinghorn (1/1) 37' Galway Sportsgrounds 3,834 Leighton Hodges (WRU) 6 November 2015 19:30 Connacht IRE rugby union 33–19 Report ITA Benetton Treviso Henshaw 42' cMcCartney 52' cHealy 75' c Ronaldson (3/3) Ronaldson (4/5) 3', 20', 36', 72' Hayward (2) 26' m, 47' cGori 80' c Hayward (2/3) Galway Sportsgrounds 3,443 Ian Davies (WRU) 28 November 2015 17:15 (1 BP) Munster IRE rugby union 12–18 Report IRE rugby union Connacht N. Scannell 20' mpenalty try 65' c Keatley (1/2) O'Halloran 17' cAki 77' m Ronaldson (1/2) Ronaldson (2/3) 11', 58' Thomond Park 15,143 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 4 December 2015 19:05 Cardiff Blues WAL 20–16 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Vosawai 5' cJames 54' c Patchell (2/2) Patchell (2/3) 25', 63' Porter 12' mE. McKeon 21' m Porter (1/1) 26'Carty (1/1) 66' Cardiff Arms Park 5,824 Andrew Brace (IRFU) 26 December 2015 18:00 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 3–10 Report IRE rugby union Ulster MacGinty (1/1) 63' Williams 76' c Pad. Jackson (1/1) Pad. Jackson (1/1) 32' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,876 Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU) 1 January 2016 17:00 Leinster IRE rugby union 13–0 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Van der Flier 60' c Sexton (1/1) Sexton (1/1) 14'Madigan (1/1) 74' RDS Arena 14,297 George Clancy (IRFU) 10 January 2016 14:30 Scarlets WAL 21–19 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) S. Evans 45' cCollins 60' m Thomas (1/2) Thomas (2/2) 36', 43'S. Shingler (1/1) 78' Healy 25' c Ronaldson (1/1) Ronaldson (2/2) 23', 48'Carty (2/2) 67', 77' Parc y Scarlets 5,888 Marius Mitrea (FIR) 30 January 2016 15:00 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 30–17 Report WAL Scarlets Heenan (2) 21' m, 36' mBuckley 51' cAh You 63' c Carty (2/4) Carty (2/3) 8', 47' Van der Merwe 44' cG. Owen 73' c Thomas (2/2) Thomas (1/1) 43' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,292 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 11 February 2016 19:30 (1 BP) Newport Gwent Dragons WAL 21–26 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Hughes 15' mHewitt 26' c O'Brien (1/1) Tovey (1/1) 9'O'Brien (2/2) 44', 56' Healy 13' cO'Halloran 21' cMasterson 65' mAki 68' c Ronaldson (3/4) Rodney Parade 4,128 David Wilkinson (IRFU) 20 February 2016 17:30 (1 BP) Zebre ITA 34–51 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Meyer 37' cHaimona 45' cVan Schalkwyk 53' cRuzza 69' c Haimona (4/4) Haimona (2/2) 13', 19' Healy (3) 16' c, 43' c, 47' cMarmion 21' cAdeolokun (2) 57' c, 66' c Ronaldson (3/3)MacGinty (3/3) Ronaldson (1/2) 4'MacGinty (2/2) 64', 72' Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi 1,850 Gary Conway (IRFU) 27 February 2016 19:35 Connacht IRE rugby union 30–22 Report WAL Ospreys Aki 1' cMacGinty 11' cHealy 51' c Ronaldson (3/3) Ronaldson (3/4) 28', 58', 67' John 13' mBaker 25' cWebb 55' c S. Davies (2/3) S. Davies (1/1) 4' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,279 George Clancy (IRFU) 4 March 2016 19:35 (1 BP) Edinburgh SCO 23–28 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Dean 43' mHoyland 51' cDu Preez 59' m Hidalgo-Clyne (1/3) Hidalgo-Clyne (2/3) 68', 80' MacGinty 20' cHeenan 32' cAki 45' cE. McKeon 72' c Ronaldson (3/3)MacGinty (1/1) Murrayfield Stadium 3,584 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 26 March 2016 17:15 Connacht IRE rugby union 7–6 Report IRE rugby union Leinster (1 BP) Marmion 13' c MacGinty (1/1) Madigan (2/2) 41', 62' Galway Sportsgrounds 7,300 Nigel Owens (WRU) 1 April 2016 19:35 Ulster IRE rugby union 18–10 Report IRE rugby union Connacht R. Best 27' mGilroy 43' c Pad. Jackson (1/2) Pad. Jackson (2/2) 5', 12' Blade 54' c O'Leary (1/1) O'Leary (1/2) 40' Kingspan Stadium 16,224 Dudley Phillips (IRFU) 16 April 2016 19:15 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 35–14 Report IRE rugby union Munster Adeolokun (2) 36' c, 54' mpenalty try 40' cBealham 65' c O'Leary (3/4) O'Leary (3/3) 8', 18', 80' Zebo 10' cSherry 23' c J. Holland (2/2) Galway Sportsgrounds 7,786 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 29 April 2016 19:30 Benetton Treviso ITA 22–21 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Morisi 19' mSteyn 22' cpenalty try 45' c Hayward (2/3) Hayward (1/1) 80' Parata 11' cCarr 14' cRobb 52' c Jo. Cooney (3/3) Stadio Comunale di Monigo 3,700 Peter Fitzgibbon (IRFU) 7 May 2016 15:00 Connacht IRE rugby union 14–7 Report SCO Glasgow Warriors (1 BP) Aki 18' cO'Halloran 59' c MacGinty (1/1)O'Leary (1/1) Reid 46' c Russell (1/1) Galway Sportsgrounds 7,786 Ian Davies (WRU) Play-offs 21 May 2016 18:30 Connacht IRE rugby union 16–11 Report SCO Glasgow Warriors Adeolokun 36' c MacGinty (1/1) MacGinty (3/3) 24', 52', 64' Nakarawa 48' m Weir (2/2) 26', 56' Galway Sportsgrounds 7,800 Marius Mitrea (FIR) 2016 Pro12 Grand Final 28 May 2016 17:30 Connacht IRE rugby union 20–10 Report IRE rugby union Leinster O'Halloran 12' cAdeolokun 21' mHealy 56' m MacGinty (1/3) MacGinty (1/2) 27' Cronin 66' c Sexton (1/1) Sexton (1/1) 43' Murrayfield Stadium 34,550 Nigel Owens (WRU) _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_15-16b _connacht_home_15-16b 15835c 15835c 15835c 15835c 15835c Connacht _leinster15a _leinstersocksb FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF Leinster FB 15IRE rugby union Tiernan O'Halloran 68 71RW 14NGA rugby union Niyi AdeolokunOC 13IRE rugby union Robbie Henshaw 71IC 12NZL Bundee AkiLW 11IRE rugby union Matt HealyFH 10USA AJ MacGintySH 9 IRE rugby union Kieran Marmion 60N8 8 IRE rugby union John Muldoon (c)OF 7 NZL Jake HeenanBF 6 IRE rugby union Eoin McKeon 41RL 5 ENG Aly MuldowneyLL 4 IRE rugby union Ultan Dillane 61TP 3 IRE rugby union Finlay BealhamHK 2 NZL Tom McCartney 71LP 1 IRE rugby union Ronan Loughney 68Substitutions:HK 16IRE rugby union Dave Heffernan 71PR 17IRE rugby union JP CooneyPR 18IRE rugby union Rodney Ah You 68LK 19IRE rugby union Andrew Browne 61FL 20IRE rugby union Seán O'Brien 41SH 21IRE rugby union John Cooney 60 65CE 22CAN Shane O'Leary 68CE 23IRE rugby union Peter Robb 65Coach:SAM Pat Lam FB 15IRE rugby union Rob Kearney 60RW 14IRE rugby union Dave Kearney 75OC 13IRE rugby union Garry RingroseIC 12NZL Ben Te'oLW 11IRE rugby union Luke FitzgeraldFH 10IRE rugby union Johnny SextonSH 9 IRE rugby union Eoin Reddan 57N8 8 IRE rugby union Jamie Heaslip (c)OF 7 IRE rugby union Jordi MurphyBF 6 IRE rugby union Rhys RuddockRL 5 IRE rugby union Mick Kearney 16LL 4 IRE rugby union Ross Molony 62TP 3 IRE rugby union Mike Ross 41HK 2 IRE rugby union Richardt Strauss 41LP 1 IRE rugby union Jack McGrath 71Substitutions:HK 16IRE rugby union Seán Cronin 41PR 17IRE rugby union Peter Dooley 71PR 18IRE rugby union Tadhg Furlong 41LK 19NZL Hayden Triggs 16N8 20IRE rugby union Jack Conan 62SH 21IRE rugby union Luke McGrath 57FH 22IRE rugby union Ian Madigan 75FB 23RSA Zane Kirchner 60Coach:IRE rugby union Leo Cullen Man of the Match: John Muldoon (Connacht) Touch judges: Ian Davies (WRU) Ben Whitehouse (WRU) Television Match Official: Jon Mason (WRU) Rugby Challenge Cup 2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 1 14 November 2015 15:00 Enisey-STM RUS 14–31 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Polivalov (2) 72' c, 80' c Kushnarev (2/2) 73', 80' Adeolokun 49' mMuldoon 51' mLeader 62' mParata 76' c Leader (1/1) 76' MacGinty (3/4) 7', 36', 43' Central Stadium, Krasnoyarsk 2,500 Thomas Charabas (FFR) 21 November 2015 17:00 Connacht IRE rugby union 21–17 Report FRA Brive (1 BP) Parata 35' mMarshall 45' mMarmion 50' m Carty (2/2) 33', 40' Acquier 28' mMasilevu 47' mGalala 73' c Iribaren (1/1) 74' Sola (0/2) Galway Sportsgrounds 4,357 Craig Maxwell-Keys (RFU) 11 December 2015 19:45 Connacht IRE rugby union 25–10 Report ENG Newcastle Falcons Poolman 74' c Carty (1/1) 76' Carty (6/7) 6', 16', 38', 47', 52', 69' Mayhew 56' c Willis (1/1) 57' Willis (1/2) 33' Galway Sportsgrounds 4,346 Thomas Charabas (FFR) 20 December 2015 15:00 (1 BP) Newcastle Falcons ENG 29–5 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Watson (2) 24' m, 57' mPenalty try (2) 41' c, 56' cAgulla 46' c Willis (2/5) 42', 56' Poolman 33' m Kingston Park 4,067 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 16 January 2016 20:45 Brive FRA 21–18 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Laranjeira (7/8) 6', 17', 26', 47', 58', 62', 80' Parata 1' mMuldoon (2) 53' m, 78' m MacGinty (1/2) 42' Stade Amédée-Domenech 3,000 Craig Maxwell-Keys (RFU) 23 January 2016 15:00 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 47–5 Report RUS Enisey-STM O'Halloran 16' mHealy (2) 20' c, 60' mBuckley 27' mPoolman 38' mHenshaw 41' mMcCartney 52' mBlade 79' c MacGinty (1/5) 21'Carty (1/3) 79' MacGinty (1/1) 11' Orlov 46' m Galway Sportsgrounds 4,261 Tom Foley (RFU) Pool winners and runners-up rankings RankPool WinnersPtsTF+/−1 ENG Harlequins 25 31 +1022 ENG Gloucester 25 16 +653 ENG Sale Sharks 23 20 +764 FRA Grenoble 22 22 +335 IRE rugby union Connacht 19 20 +51RankPool Runners–upPtsTF+/−6 FRA Montpellier 20 28 +1057 WAL Newport Gwent Dragons 20 17 +348 ENG London Irish 17 25 +649 ENG Newcastle Falcons 16 20 +4010 ITA Zebre 13 11 +22 Quarter-finals 9 April 2016 21:05 Grenoble FRA (4) 33–32 Report (5) IRE rugby union Connacht Wiesniewski 32' cDupont 61' cDiaby 69' c Wiesniewski (3/3) 33', 62', 70' Wiesniewski (3/3) 20', 37', 40' Wiesniewski (1/1) 75' Adeolokun (2) 11' c, 28' cHenshaw 22' mHealy 42' c O'Leary (3/4) 12', 29', 43' O'Leary (1/1) 53'Cooney (1/1) 72' Stade des Alpes 14,077 Matthew Carley (RFU) Notes References 2015-16 Category:2015–16 Pro12 by team Category:2015–16 in Irish rugby union