2014–15 Connacht Rugby season

June 2020 June 2020 2014–15 Connacht Rugby season Galway Sportsgrounds(Capacity: 7,800) Willie Ruane Pat Lam John Muldoon George Naoupu (28) Jack Carty (119) Matt Healy (9) Pro12Challenge Cup 7thQuarter-finals _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_14-16b _connacht_home_14-15b _connacht_home_14-15b 15835c 15835c 15835c 15835c 15835c _connacht_away_14-15b _connacht_away_14-15b _connacht_away_14-15b _connacht_away_14-15b _connacht_away_14-15b 1d283e FFFFFF 1d283e 1d283e 1d283e _connacht_euro_14-15b _connacht_euro_14-15b1 _connacht_euro_14-15b _connacht_euro_14-15b _connacht_euro_14-15b 15835c 030316 030316 030316 030316 2013–14 2015–16 The 2014–15 season was Irish provincial rugby union side Connacht Rugby's fourteenth season competing in the Pro12, and the team's nineteenth season as a professional side. It was also Pat Lam's second season in charge of the side. As well as playing in the Pro12, Connacht competed in the newly established Rugby Challenge Cup, having played in the now-defunct Heineken Cup the previous season. The second-tier side, the Connacht Eagles, competed in the 2014–15 British and Irish Cup. Season Background The 2014–15 season saw the Heineken Cup replaced by the 20 team Rugby Champions Cup and the creation of this competition meant the Pro12 standings would have a greater impact on European qualification. Under the previous format, the Pro12 provided a minimum of ten teams, with Scotland and Italy providing two teams each, and Ireland and Wales both providing three.June 2020 The new system saw one place now being reserved for the highest finishing Pro12 team from each of four participating countries, along with three other qualifiers based solely on league position, for a total of seven teams. The other teams were to be entered in the new second-tier competition, the Rugby Challenge Cup. This meant Connacht were no longer required to finish ahead of another Irish province or rely on an Irish victory in a European tournament to qualify for the top tier of European rugby.June 2020 The final tournament spot in the 2015–16 Rugby Champions Cup was decided by a playoff involving the Pro12's highest finishing team that is not already qualified, along with the seventh highest finishing clubs from France's Top 14 and the English Premiership.http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/european-rugby-dispute-resolved-with-creation-of-the-champions-cup-30175182.html Irish Independent European rugby dispute resolved with creation of the Champions Cup 24 May 2014 10 April 2014 On the player front, Connacht entered the season with a new captain following the forced retirement of Craig Clarke due to persistent concussions.http://thescore.thejournal.ie/craig-clarke-retirement-connacht-concussion-1498079-Jun2014/ The Score Connacht confirm Craig Clarke retirement after repeated concussions 5 June 2014 3 June 2014 They will also be without the playing services of former captain and centurion Gavin Duffy, whose contract was not renewed the previous season. It was later announced that he was taking up a role with the province's commercial team.http://thescore.thejournal.ie/gavin-duffy-connacht-commercial-1501072-Jun2014/ The Score Connacht re-sign Gavin Duffy... to work on their commercial team 5 June 2014 5 June 2014 Due to their 10th-place finish in the 2013–14 Pro12, Connacht were entered into the 2014–15 Rugby Challenge Cup, which replaced the European Challenge Cup, a competition Connacht hadn't competed in since the 2010–11 season. The draw for the Challenge Cup pool stages took place on 10 June 2014, with Connacht named in the same group as Exeter Chiefs, Bayonne and La Rochelle.EPCRugby.com - 2014/15 EPCR Pool Draws https://web.archive.org/web/20140725014940/http://www.epcrugby.com/eng/news/28816.php 2014-07-25 September Connacht opened the season with victories at home against Newport Gwent Dragons and away to Edinburgh.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15494.php#CfEY0HC9sjPbEc7j.97 Pro12 Carty has last laugh as Connacht hold on to win 12 September 2015 6 September 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111849/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15494.php 4 March 2016 http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15552.php#5IucbRr7G5KE8Qc5.97 Pro12 Connacht stun Edinburgh at the death 12 September 2015 12 September 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926045615/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15552.php 26 September 2015 The team then beat provincial rivals Leinster at home, the 10–9 win giving Connacht their first inter-provincial victory since beating Leinster in the same fixture in the 2012–13 season.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15620.php#5IQ3obZv0kiSJiJO.97 Pro12 Connacht stun Leinster with second-half fightback 12 September 2015 19 September 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926030511/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15620.php 26 September 2015 Connacht experienced their first defeat of the season in the next round, losing to Glasgow Warriors in their final game of the month.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15689.php#O5DpGyQWVM0lbpxT.97 Pro12 Glasgow maintain 100 per cent record after win against Connacht 12 September 2015 26 September 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926035701/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15689.php 26 September 2015 http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15768.php#ou1r5e64c80vEzmc.97 Pro12 Cardiff Blues snatch dramatic late draw at Connacht 12 September 2015 3 October 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926015409/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15768.php 26 September 2015 October Following their opening defeat of the season to Glasgow, Connacht opened the month of October with a draw at home to Cardiff Blues the following week, but were able to return to winning ways before the first break for European matches, beating Benetton Treviso 6–9 in Italy.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15825.php#8VU1TAF3veksMR8c.97 Pro12 Connacht creep to scrappy victory in Treviso 12 September 2015 10 October 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926050428/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15825.php 26 September 2015 Connacht opened their 2014–15 Challenge Cup campaign at the Sportsgrounds on 18 October with a 48–12 bonus point victory over Top 14 side La Rochelle.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29228.php EPCRugby REPORT: Connacht flex their muscles opener 25 September 2015 18 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924001743/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29228.php 24 September 2015 dead The following week, however, saw the province beaten 33–13 away to Exeter Chiefs.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29392.php EPCRugby REPORT: Chiefs back on winning trail 25 September 2015 25 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924001917/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29392.php 24 September 2015 dead Connacht's first game after the European break saw them beaten 26–11 in Wales by the Ospreys on Halloween night.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15948.php#0QKblAlmtdPBR86L.97 Pro12 Ospreys march on with seventh straight win 14 September 2015 31 October 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926050503/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/15948.php 26 September 2015 November A break in the league for the November internationals meant that Connacht didn't play a competitive match in the month until 21 November. When they returned to action, Connacht picked up a comfortable bonus point victory over Zebre at home, posting a final score of 43–3.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16081.php#yYfZl12sbawfrRZ8.97 Pro12 Connacht romp to bonus-point win over sorry Zebre 14 September 2015 21 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926052206/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16081.php 26 September 2015 The team followed this with a 14–8 win against 6th place rivals Scarlets at the Sportsgrounds to keep their unbeaten home record intact.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16158.php#FTzKBouSP1UhxliV.99 Pro12 Healy helps Connacht remain unbeaten at home 14 September 2015 29 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926040218/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16158.php 26 September 2015 December Connacht opened the month of December with a crucial double-header against Bayonne in the Challenge Cup, and won the first of these games comfortably, picking up a bonus point in a 42–19 victory to narrow the gap to Exeter Chiefs.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29677.php EPCRugby REPORT: Connacht cruise to maximum points 28 September 2015 6 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150929015300/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/29677.php 29 September 2015 dead Connacht named an entirely new team for the return leg, and despite being 11 points down in the second half, the team fought back to win 27–29, with academy scrum-half Caolin Blade scoring both tries.http://www.the42.ie/bayonne-connacht-match-report-challenge-1832857-Dec2014/ The42 Blade cuts deep as Connacht claim brilliant win away to Bayonne 28 September 2015 13 December 2014 After the two European matches, Connacht finished 2015 with two provincial derbies in a row over the Christmas period. Connacht lost the first of these matches against Leinster in Dublin.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16277.php#1bhUosdIHp02QBLV.99 Pro12 Kirchner's late try seals Leinster win over resilient Connacht 14 September 2015 19 December 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926014049/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16277.php 26 September 2015 This loss was followed by a narrow away defeat to Ulster on Saint Stephen's Day in the last match of the calendar year.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16340.php#d0DvH3mk62LSSpp6.99 Pro12 Gilroy gets Ulster over the line against Connacht 14 September 2015 26 December 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926045703/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16340.php 26 September 2015 January On New Year's Day, Connacht picked up where they had left off in 2014, with another league match against Irish opposition. In the final derby of this period, Connacht managed to pick up a win, beating Munster 24–16.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16387.php#sA8Vag6GQSRWjqcy.97 Pro12 Clinical Connacht deny Munster top spot 14 September 2015 1 January 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150926044724/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16387.php 26 September 2015 Following this high however, Connacht were beaten at home for the first time in the season, losing 13–16 to Edinburgh.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16477.php#ElfBShicBvv2UpDT.99 Pro12 Hidalgo-Clyne's golden boot sees Edinburgh end Connacht's home run 28 September 2015 9 January 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151001183009/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16477.php 1 October 2015 The poor form was carried into Europe as Connacht lost another home match in quick succession, being beaten 24–33 by the Exeter Chiefs.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/30101.php EPCRugby REPORT: Chiefs claim quarter-final spot 28 September 2015 18 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150929023812/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/30101.php 29 September 2015 dead The team was able to recover the following week to beat La Rochelle and secure a place in the knock-out stage of the competition.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/30265.php EPCRugby REPORT: Connacht fight back to reach last eight 28 September 2015 24 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150929022451/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/30265.php 29 September 2015 dead February There were no games in the opening weekend of the month as the 2015 Six Nations Championship was taking place. On 15 February Connacht returned to league action, suffering a 32–14 loss away to Scarlets.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16666.php#c1QtmP0slaZpy2rv.97 Pro12 King rules supreme for stylish Scarlets 28 September 2015 15 February 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151001184139/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16666.php 1 October 2015 The following week, Connacht were away to another Welsh side, this time facing Newport Gwent Dragons, and recovered from the previous week's disappointment to emerge 25–30 winners.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16744.php#UIkeLY4Yy0HWcxhI.99 Pro12 Landman sees red as Connacht snatch victory 28 September 2015 22 February 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151008054038/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16744.php 8 October 2015 March Connacht opened the month of March with bonus point victory over Benetton Treviso, crushing the Italians 53–5.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16805.php#kcq1Pia6itT0oQjM.97 Pro12 Ronaldson inspires Connacht to seven-try win 28 September 2015 1 March 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151002140921/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16805.php 2 October 2015 On 6 March, Connacht faced Cardiff Blues away ahead of a tough series of matches against teams in the play-off places, making the game important in the qualification for the 2015–16 Rugby Champions Cup. Connacht were beaten 18–17 by a late try, after the referee controversially gave a penalty against Connacht with the game in overtime after Cardiff appeared to have knocked the ball on. In the aftermath of the game, Pat Lam criticised touch judge Leighton Hodges and lodged a complaint with the league.http://www.the42.ie/connacht-pat-lam-1978519-Mar2015/ The42 Pat Lam tears into last night's officials, gives greatest ever Pro12 interview in the process 28 September 2015 7 March 2015 Lam was later charged with misconduct for his comments.http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/connacht-rugby-coach-pat-lam-8804960 Wales Online Connacht rugby coach Pat Lam charged over comments about Welsh official Leighton Hodges 28 September 2015 9 March 2015 In spite of Lam's comments and the misconduct charge, Hodges refereed Connacht's next match, away to Munster in Thomond Park, where Connacht were beaten 42–20.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16987.php#FZde2Cs0ojq5EpGT.99 Pro12 Munster maintain charge with dominant Connacht victory 28 September 2015 28 March 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151002172604/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/16987.php 2 October 2015 April The team's first match in April was a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Gloucester in Kingsholm Stadium. After going in 14–0 down, Connacht held the hosts scoreless in the second half and pulled themselves back into the match with a penalty try. They couldn't make up the deficit however, and Connacht were knocked out of the Cup by 14–7.http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/30593.php EPCRugby REPORT: Gloucester hang on to earn home semi 28 September 2015 3 April 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150929102442/http://www.epcrugby.com/matchcentre/30593.php 2015-09-29 dead In their return to the Pro12, Connacht suffered their second home league defeat of the season, this time to Ulster. After another poor first half performance, Connacht went in 17–0 down, only to earn a losing bonus with a final score of 20–27.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/17090.php#FSW4rtp8XMateLzq.99 Pro12 Bowe double sees Ulster victorious in derby thriller 28 September 2015 11 April 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151002033512/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/17090.php 2 October 2015 Another home defeat followed, with the team shipping five tries against Glasgow Warriors in a 13–31 defeat, leaving the team in danger of finishing behind Edinburgh in 8th place and missing not only automatic qualification for the Champions Cup, but also the chance at a play-off for the final spot.http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/17184.php#4o4xXfPJ8wLMZ5gg.99 Pro12 Matawalu double fires Warriors back to the top 28 September 2015 25 April 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20151002140933/http://www.pro12rugby.com/matchcentre/17184.php 2 October 2015 May Connacht were able to start the month with their first win since 1 March, beating Zebre 10–40 in Italy, to earn a try bonus and leave themselves with a chance of reaching the Champions Cup. In the final round of the regular season, on 16 May, Connacht faced Ospreys, while their rivals for the Champions Cup places, Scarlets and Edinburgh, faced Benetton Treviso and Leinster respectively. Connacht picked up a losing bonus, while Scarlets won and Edinburgh were beaten by 13, leaving Connacht in 7th place, their highest finish in a regular league season, but just short of qualification to the Champions Cup. Connacht proceeded to a play-off involving Bordeaux Bègles, the 7th placed team in the 2014–15 Top 14 season, and Gloucester the 2014–15 Rugby Challenge Cup winners. Connacht played Gloucester away on 24 May for the chance to face Bordeaux. Connacht were leading 18–25 in the final minutes of the game, but a controversial penalty decision from Romain Poite gave Gloucester a try-scoring opportunity and sent the match to extra time, after which Gloucester emerged 40–32 victors.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 Coaching and Management Team Role Name Nationality 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. Assistant coach Dan McFarland England England 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 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 Team manager Tim Allnut New Zealand New Zealand Academy manager/Eagles Head Coach Nigel Carolan Ireland rugby union Ireland Resource Coach(es) Cory BrowneJimmy Duffy New Zealand New ZealandIreland 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 Performance analyst Conor McPhillips Ireland rugby union Ireland Head physio Gavin Malouf Australia Australia Players Senior Playing Squad http://www.thescore.ie/connacht-201415-transfer-niyi-adeolokun-1520053-Jun2014/ Connacht complete 2014/15 recruitment with signing of Niyi Adeolokun 2014-08-01 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140811072411/http://www.thescore.ie/connacht-201415-transfer-niyi-adeolokun-1520053-Jun2014/ 2014-08-11 IRL HK Jason Harris-Wright IRL HK David Heffernan IRL HK Seán Henry 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 NZL PR Nathan White* IRL LK Mick Kearney ENG LK Aly Muldowney* IRL LK Danny Qualter RSA LK Quinn Roux ENG LK Michael Swift* IRL FL Andrew Browne TON FL Mata Fafita* IRL FL Willie Faloon NZL FL Jake Heenan IRL FL John Muldoon c IRL N8 Eoin McKeon NZL N8 George Naoupu IRL SH John Cooney IRL SH Kieran Marmion IRL SH Ian Porter IRL FH Jack Carty NZL FH Miah Nikora* IRL FH Craig Ronaldson NZL CE Bundee Aki IRL CE Conor Finn IRL CE Robbie Henshaw IRL CE Dave McSharry CAN CE Shane O'Leary* NGA WG Niyi Adeolokun* IRL WG Fionn Carr IRL WG Matt Healy IRL WG Tiernan O'Halloran RSA WG Danie Poolman IRL FB Shane Layden IRL FB Darragh Leader NZL FB Mils Muliaina Players qualified to play for Ireland on dual nationality or residency grounds* Senior 15's internationally capped players in bold Academy squad http://www.thescore.ie/ireland-u20s-peter-robb-connacht-1534606-Jun2014/ Ireland U20 centre Peter Robb one of five new recruits in Connacht academy 2014-08-12 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140714201638/http://www.thescore.ie/ireland-u20s-peter-robb-connacht-1534606-Jun2014/ 2014-07-14 IRE rugby union HK Shane Delahunt year 1 IRE rugby union HK Jack Dineen year 1 IRE rugby union PR Jamie Dever year 2 IRE rugby union PR Saba Meunargia year 2 IRE rugby union PR Jacob Walshe year 2 IRE rugby union LK Ultan Dillane year 3 IRE rugby union LK Seán O'Brien year 2 IRE rugby union FL James Connolly year 2 IRE rugby union FL Marc Kelly year 1 IRE rugby union FL Rory Moloney year 2 SCO N8 Eoghan Masterson year 2 IRE rugby union SH Caolin Blade year 2 IRE rugby union OH Conor McKeon year 1 IRE rugby union CE Rory Parata year 2 IRE rugby union CE Peter Robb year 1 IRE rugby union WG Ciaran Gaffney year 1 ENG FB David Panter year 2 Preseason transfers player movement in the Pro12 leading up to the 2014–15 season List of 2014–15 Pro12 transfers Players in HK New Zealand rugby union Tom McCartney from NZL BluesPlanet Rugby | Rugby Union Tournaments | RaboDirect PRO12 | Connacht add Blues front-row https://web.archive.org/web/20140418234407/http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0%2C25883%2C3825_9269257%2C00.html 2014-04-18 PR Ireland rugby union Finlay Bealham promoted from academy8 Irish players who took advantage of the Six Nations window · The Score https://web.archive.org/web/20140419011713/http://www.thescore.ie/young-irish-rugby-players-rabodirect-pro12-1360614-Mar2014/ 2014-04-19 Planet Rugby | Rugby Union Tournaments | RaboDirect PRO12 | New deals for Connacht youngsters https://web.archive.org/web/20140418234409/http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0%2C25883%2C3825_9268215%2C00.html 2014-04-18 LK South Africa rugby union Quinn Roux from Ireland rugby union Leinster (loan) SH Ireland rugby union John Cooney from Ireland rugby union Leinster (loan)http://thescore.thejournal.ie/quinn-roux-john-cooney-connacht-1511251-Jun2014/ The Score Roux and Cooney join Connacht on loan deal from Leinster 11 June 2014 11 June 2014 SH Ireland rugby union Ian Porter from IRE rugby union Ulsterhttp://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/european/2014/0501/614204-connacht-sign-porter-and-oleary/ RTÉ Sport Connacht sign Ian Porter and Shane O'Leary 1 May 2014 1 May 2014 FH Ireland rugby union Jack Carty promoted from academyCarty and O'Halloran rewarded with new Connacht contracts https://web.archive.org/web/20140305004956/http://www.thescore.ie/carty-ohalloran-new-contract-1320913-Feb2014/ 2014-03-05 CE New Zealand rugby union Bundee Aki from NZL Chiefs CE Ireland rugby union Conor Finn promoted from academy CE Canada rugby union Shane O'Leary from FRA Grenoblehttp://www.ballinakillaloerfc.com/qa-session-with-shane-oleary/ Q&A Session with Shane O'Leary Ballina Killaloe Rugby Club ballinakillaloerfc.com 15 June 2014 WG Nigeria rugby union Niyi Adeolokun from Ireland rugby union Dublin Universityhttp://thescore.thejournal.ie/connacht-201415-transfer-niyi-adeolokun-1520053-Jun2014/ The Score Connacht complete 2014/15 recruitment with signing of Niyi Adeolokun 17 June 2014 16 June 2014 FB Ireland rugby union Shane Layden promoted from academy FB Ireland rugby union Darragh Leader promoted from academy FB New Zealand rugby union Mils Muliaina from NZL Chiefshttp://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/world-cup-winning-all-black-seals-move-to-connacht-30244544.html Irish Independent World Cup winning All Black seals move to Connacht 5 May 2014 5 May 2014 Players out HK Ireland rugby union James Rael to Ireland rugby union Lansdownehttp://www.independent.ie/sport/parks-leads-connacht-outgoings-30229320.html Irish Independent Parks leads Connacht outgoings 29 April 2014 29 April 2014 PR Ireland rugby union Brett Wilkinson retiredhttp://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/devastated-wilkinson-forced-to-retire-30125428.html Irish Independent 'Devastated' Wilkinson forced to retire 26 March 2014 26 March 2014 LK New Zealand rugby union Craig Clarke retiredhttp://thescore.thejournal.ie/craig-clarke-retirement-connacht-concussion-1498079-Jun2014/ The Score Connacht confirm Craig Clarke retirement after repeated concussions 3 June 2014 3 June 2014 LK Ireland rugby union Dave Nolan to FRA Bourgoinhttp://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/transferts/2014/bourgoin-devoile-son-effectif-2014-2015_sto4291868/story.shtml Rugby Rama Bourgoin dévoile son effectif 2014–2015 27 June 2014 18 June 2014 FL Ireland rugby union Aaron Conneely to Ireland rugby union Lansdowne SH Ireland rugby union Frank Murphy retiredhttp://www.irishrugby.ie/news/33853.php#.Vhe2hOxViko Irish Rugby Refereeing Promotions For Former Players Murphy And Neville 9 October 2015 17 February 2015 SH Ireland rugby union Paul O'Donohoe retiredhttp://www.the42.ie/paul-o-donohue-retired-1878589-Jan2015/ The42 'You'd almost wash the dishes 24 times to fill the day' – The initial struggle of a retired rugby player 9 October 2015 13 January 2015 FH SCO Dan Parks retiredhttp://thescore.thejournal.ie/dan-parks-retires-1537233-Jun2014/ The Score Former Connacht and Scotland outhalf Dan Parks retires after '11 great years as a pro' 27 June 2014 25 June 2014 CE Ireland rugby union Eoin Griffin to ENG London Irishhttp://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/london-irish-confirm-the-signing-of-connachts-eoin-griffin-30021110.html Irish Times London Irish confirm the signing of Connacht's Eoin Griffin 26 March 2014 18 February 2014 CE Ireland rugby union Brian Murphy to Ireland rugby union Galwegianshttp://www.irishrugby.ie/club/32470.php Irish Rugby Galwegians Maintain Bonus Point-Winning Form 9 October 2015 22 September 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073433/http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/32470.php 4 March 2016 dead CE Ireland rugby union Kyle Tonetti retiredhttps://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/irish/2014/0319/603183-connachts-tonetti-forced-to-retire/ RTÉ Sport Connacht's Kyle Tonetti forced to retire 26 March 2014 19 March 2014 FB Ireland rugby union Gavin Duffy to Ireland Mayo Footballhttp://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2014/0514/617358-ex-rugby-star-duffy-trains-with-mayo-panel/ Former Connacht Rugby captain Gavin Duffy joins the Mayo panel RTÉ Sport 15 May 2014 15 May 2014 Playing kit Connacht's official kit supplier for the season was Australian manufacturer BLK sport, who announced a comprehensive four-year agreement to supply the full range of 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 will see their logo feature on the jersey until the end of the 2017–18 season, taking over from the previous season's sponsors Mazda Ireland.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 2014–15 Pro12 6 September 2014 17:00 Connacht IRE rugby union 16–11 Report WAL Newport Gwent Dragons (1 BP) E. McKeon 9' mPoolman 54' m Leader (2/3) 15', 51' Cudd 23' m Tovey (2/3) 30', 75' Galway Sportsgrounds 4,123 Marius Mitrea (FIR) 12 September 2014 19:35 (1 BP) Edinburgh SCO 13–14 Report IRE rugby union Connacht du Preez 40' c Heathcote (1/1) Heathcote (2/3) 3', 9' Faloon 75' m Leader (3/5) 23', 37', 55' Murrayfield Stadium 3,777 Gary Conway (IRFU) 19 September 2014 19:35 Connacht IRE rugby union 10–9 Report IRE rugby union Leinster (1 BP) Marmion 54' c Carty (1/1) Carty (1/2) 21' Madigan (3/4) 2', 11', 15' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,917 John Lacey (IRFU)http://www.rugby365.com/article/62179-pro12-another-try-fest-on-the-cards Another try-fest on the cards? Rugby365 Sportsmedia365 18 September 2014 21 September 2014 15 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150215232320/http://www.rugby365.com/article/62179-pro12-another-try-fest-on-the-cards dead 26 September 2014 19:35 (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors SCO 39–21 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Hogg (2) 19' c, 46' mPyrgos 36' cVan der Merwe 61' cBennett 74' c Weir (4/5) Weir (2/2) 30', 71' McSharry 23' cLeader 56' cPenalty try 68' c Porter (3/3) Scotstoun Stadium 5,821 Claudio Blessano (FIR) 3 October 2014 19:35 Connacht IRE rugby union 24–24 Report WAL Cardiff Blues Henshaw 31' cMarmion 42' cWhite 46' c Ronaldson (3/3) Ronaldson (1/1) 6' A. Thomas 19' cCook 69' cAndrews 78' c Patchell (3/3) Patchell (1/1) 36' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,247 Neil Paterson (SRU) 10 October 2014 20:00 (1 BP) Benetton Treviso ITA 6–9 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Hayward (2/3) 6', 38' Ronaldson (3/5) 17', 30', 67' Stadio Comunale di Monigo 3,025 David Wilkinson (IRFU) 31 October 2014 19:35 Ospreys WAL 26–11 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Hassler 48' cRoberts 61' c Davies (2/2) Davies (4/6) 4', 51', 56', 66' E. McKeon 77' m Ronaldson (2/5) 36', 46' Liberty Stadium 6,010 John Lacey (IRFU) 21 November 2014 19:35 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 43–3 Report ITA Zebre Poolman 27' mKearney 46' cPenalty try 61' cJo. Cooney 65' mCarty 68' c Porter (1/2)Nikora (1/1)Carty (1/2) Porter (4/6) 13', 19', 34', 38' Odiete (1/2) 17' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,486 Ben Whitehouse (WRU) 29 November 2014 19:30 Connacht IRE rugby union 14–8 Report WAL Scarlets (1 BP) Healy 48' m Carty (3/4) 19', 47', 63' Robinson 3' m S. Shingler (1/2) 1' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,631 Leighton Hodges (WRU) 19 December 2014 19:35 Leinster IRE rugby union 21–11 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Jennings 12' mKirchner 78' c Gopperth (1/2) Gopperth (3/3) 16', 41', 49' Naoupu 73' m Carty (2/3) 31', 40' RDS Arena 16,007 Ian Davies (WRU) 26 December 2014 18:45 Ulster IRE rugby union 13–10 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Gilroy 19' c Jackson (1/1) Jackson (2/4) 14', 62' Muldowney 66' c Carty (1/1) Carty (1/1) 4' Kingspan Stadium 17,107 John Lacey (IRFU) 1 January 2015 17:00 Connacht IRE rugby union 24–16 Report IRE rugby union Munster Marmion 29' cRonaldson 42' cMuldowney 60' c Ronaldson (1/1)Leader (2/2) Nikora (1/1) 55' P. O'Mahony 10' c Keatley (1/1) Keatley (3/3) 7', 15', 38' Galway Sportsgrounds 7,745 David Wilkinson (IRFU) 9 January 2015 19:35 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 13–16 Report SCO Edinburgh Penalty try 37' c Nikora (1/1) Nikora (2/3) 23', 40' Denton 16' c Hidalgo-Clyne (1/1) Hidalgo-Clyne (3/4) 44', 49', 70' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,267 Leighton Hodges (WRU) 15 February 2015 12:45 (1 BP) Scarlets WAL 32–14 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Tagicakibau 23' mRobinson 27' cJ. Williams 33' cJ. Davies 50' c S. Shingler (3/4) S. Shingler (2/2) 13', 17' Adeolokun 72' m Carty (3/3) 4', 39', 47' Parc y Scarlets 5,000 Marius Mitrea (FIR) 22 February 2015 16:00 (1 BP) Newport Gwent Dragons WAL 25–30 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Amos (2) 32' m, 80' cDixon 65' c Prydie (2/3) Prydie (2/2) 4', 39' Ronaldson 7' cMasterson 22' cKearney 75' c Carty (2/2)Leader (1/1) Carty (1/3) 11'Leader (2/2) 57', 60' Rodney Parade 4,180 Lloyd Linton (SRU) 1 March 2015 17:15 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 53–5 Report ITA Benetton Treviso O'Halloran 5' cHeenan 45' cHealy (2) 51' c, 72' cBuckley 54' cMuldowney 67' mPoolman 79' c Ronaldson (6/7) Ronaldson (2/2) 14', 31' Christie 34' m Galway Sportsgrounds 3,880 Andrew McMenemy (SRU) 6 March 2015 19:35 Cardiff Blues WAL 18–17 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Tuculet (2) 56' m, 80' c Patchell (1/2) Patchell (2/2) 24', 64' Heenan 5' cMuldowney 70' c Ronaldson (2/2) Ronaldson (1/1) 22' Cardiff Arms Park 5,624 Lloyd Linton (SRU) 28 March 2015 17:15 (1 BP) Munster IRE rugby union 42–20 Report IRE rugby union Connacht B. Holland 12' cCasey 55' cZebo 63' cSmith 72' cHurley 74' cEarls 79' c Keatley (3/3)Hanrahan (3/3) Nikora 68' cO'Leary 78' c Nikora (2/2) Carty (2/3) 1', 45' Thomond Park 18,762 Leighton Hodges (WRU) 11 April 2015 14:40 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 20–27 Report IRE rugby union Ulster (1 BP) Healy 44' cO'Halloran 70' c Nikora (1/1)Carty (1/1) Nikora (1/1) 51'Carty (1/1) 62' Ludik 4' mBowe (2) 31' m, 56' mGilroy 34' cBest 64' m Pienaar (1/5) Galway Sportsgrounds 5,921 Nigel Owens (WRU) 25 April 2015 13:05 Connacht IRE rugby union 13–31 Report SCO Glasgow Warriors (1 BP) Muldowney 53' c Carty (1/1) Carty (2/5) 6', 16' Matawalu (2) 24' m, 38' cHogg 35' cAshe 67' cSeymour 73' m Russell (3/5) Galway Sportsgrounds 4,430 Marius Mitrea (FIR) 9 May 2015 18:30 Zebre ITA 10–40 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Leonard 26' c Orquera (1/1) Orquera (1/1) 34' Jo. Cooney (2) 11' c, 35' cHealy 29' cMasterson 54' mO'Halloran 70' cO'Leary 73' c Carty (3/4)C. McKeon (2/2) Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi 2,680 Ian Davies (WRU) 16 May 2015 15:00 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 20–24 Report WAL Ospreys Masterson 53' cBuckley 80' c Carty (2/2) Carty (2/2) 41', 49' Biggar 15' cJohn 25' cWebb 27' c Biggar (3/3) Biggar (1/1) 5' Galway Sportsgrounds 5,226 Marius Mitrea (FIR) Rugby Challenge Cup 2014–15 Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 2 18 October 2014 17:00 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 48–12 Report FRA La Rochelle Carty 5' cMarmion 9' mHenshaw (2) 31' c, 45' cLoughney 35' cPoolman 52' mHealy 64' c Ronaldson (4/5) 5', 32', 37', 46'Porter (1/2) 65' Ronaldson (1/1) 15' Cler 42' mBouldoire 69' c Le Bail (1/2) 70' Galway Sportsgrounds, Galway 4,735 Andrew McMenemy (Scotland) 25 October 2014 15:00 (1 BP) Exeter Chiefs ENG 33–13 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Chudley 9' cSlade 20' mWelch 40' cEwers 46' cWhite 56' c Steenson (4/5) 9', 40', 47', 57' Carr 73' c Ronaldson (1/1) 74' Ronaldson (2/2) 5', 37' Sandy Park, Exeter 8,484 Mathieu Raynal (France) 6 December 2014 17:00 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 42–19 Report FRA Bayonne Poolman (2) 19' c, 39' mAki 60' cMcSharry 69' cFaloon 72' c Carty (3/4) 20', 61', 70'Ronaldson (1/1) 73' Carty (3/4) 11', 53', 59' Lapeyrade 45' c Otazo (1/1) 46' Bustos Moyano (4/5) 5', 14', 16', 29' Galway Sportsgrounds, Galway 4,425 Matthew Carley (England) 13 December 2014 20:45 Bayonne FRA 27–29 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Vaka 3' cUgalde 17' cSayerse 41' c Loustalot (3/3) 3', 18', 42' Loustalot (2/2) 34', 50' Blade (2) 27' c, 77' c Nikora (2/2) 28', 78' Nikora (5/6) 6', 30', 37', 57', 67' Stade Jean Dauger, Bayonne 4,980 Ian Davies (Wales) 18 January 2015 15:15 (1 BP) Connacht IRE rugby union 24–33 Report ENG Exeter Chiefs Healy (2) 5' m, 74' cFaloon 23' mPoolman 38' c Carty (2/4) 39', 75' Penalty try 19' cMumm 45' cArmand 62' c Slade (3/3) 20', 46', 63' Slade (4/5) 35', 43', 57', 70' Galway Sportsgrounds, Galway 5,088 Alexandre Ruiz (France) 24 January 2015 18:30 La Rochelle FRA 20–30 Report IRE rugby union Connacht (1 BP) Penalty try 32' c, Meron 38' c Barraque (2/2) 33', 39' Barraque (2/2) 9', 23' Marmion 2' mMcKeon 46' mAdeolokun 74' cHealy 76' c Carty (2/4) 75', 78' Carty (2/3) 16', 37' Stade Marcel-Deflandre, La Rochelle 10,068 Neil Paterson (Scotland) Quarter-finals 3 April 2015 19:45 Gloucester ENG 14–7 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Sharples 20' cMeakes 30' c Laidlaw (2/2) 21', 31' Penalty try 65' c Carty (1/1) 66' Kingsholm Stadium 13,236 Mathieu Raynal (FFR) Champions Cup play-offs 2015–16 European Rugby Champions–Challenge Cup play-offs Match 1 24 May 2015 15:30 GMT Gloucester ENG 40−32 Report IRE rugby union Connacht Moriarty 1' cSharples 26' mMeakes 80' cDawidiuk 95' mMay 98' c Laidlaw (3/5) 1', 80', 98' Laidlaw (2/3) 19', 43'Hook (1/1) 92' J. Cooney 8' cCarty 29' cHealy (2) 60' m, 92' c Carty (3/4) 9', 30', 92' Carty (2/3) 7', 79' Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester 7,633 Romain Poite (FFR) FB 15ENG Charlie Sharples 64RW 14ENG Jonny MayOC 13AUS Bill MeakesIC 12ENG Billy Twelvetrees (c)LW 11ENG Henry Purdy 50FH 10WAL James HookSH 9 SCO Greig LaidlawN8 8 ENG Ross Moriarty 71 88OF 7 WAL Dan Thomas 33 44 65BF 6 ENG Jacob RowanRL 5 ENG Tom PalmerLL 4 ENG Tom SavageTP 3 NZL John Afoa 33 43 88HK 2 WAL Richard Hibbard 59LP 1 ENG Nick Wood 65Replacements:HK 16ENG Darren Dawidiuk 59PR 17ENG Yann Thomas 65PR 18ENG Shaun Knight 33 44 88LK 19ENG Elliott Stooke 71FL 20ENG Lewis Ludlow 65 88SH 21ENG Dan Robson 64FH 22ENG Billy BurnsFB 23ENG Rob Cook 50Coach:IRE rugby union David Humphreys FB 15IRE rugby union Tiernan O'Halloran 65RW 14IRE rugby union Fionn Carr 75OC 13IRE rugby union Robbie HenshawIC 12NZL Bundee AkiLW 11IRE rugby union Matt HealyFH 10IRE rugby union Jack CartySH 9 IRE rugby union John Cooney 64N8 8 IRE rugby union Eoin McKeon 71OF 7 SCO Eoghan Masterson 55 65 33 44BF 6 IRE rugby union John Muldoon (c)RL 5 ENG Aly MuldowneyLL 4 NZL George Naoupu 54TP 3 IRE rugby union Rodney Ah You 54HK 2 NZL Tom McCartney 70 79 90LP 1 IRE rugby union Denis Buckley 33 43Replacements:HK 16IRE rugby union Dave Heffernan 94 100 70 79 90PR 17IRE rugby union JP Cooney 33 44PR 18IRE rugby union Finlay Bealham 54LK 19IRE rugby union Andrew Browne 54FL 20IRE rugby union James Connolly 71SH 21IRE rugby union Ian Porter 64FH 22NZL Miah Nikora 75CE 23CAN Shane O'Leary 65Coach:SAM Pat Lam Awards and recognition At the end of the 2014–15 Pro12 season, an Awards evening was held in the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, with Connacht among those honoured both as a team and for individual performance.http://www.irishrugby.ie/provincial/34612.php#.Vgm5RtJViko Irish Rugby Gilroy, Madigan And Connacht Win PRO12 Awards 28 September 2015 17 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150929155348/http://www.irishrugby.ie/provincial/34612.php#.Vgm5RtJViko 29 September 2015 dead Award Recipient Pro12 Fair Play award Connacht Pro12 Dream Team Denis Buckley Pro12 Dream Team Robbie Henshaw Connacht held their own awards ceremony in May, to acknowledge the services of individual players.http://www.the42.ie/robbie-henshaw-player-of-the-year-connacht-2108018-May2015/#comments The42 Robbie Henshaw can't stop winning Player of the Year awards 28 September 2015 17 May 2015 Award Recipient Players' Player of the Year Robbie Henshaw Fans' Player of the Year Robbie Henshaw Back of the Year Matt Healy Forward of the Year Denis Buckley Team Man of the Year Aly Muldowney Academy Player of the Year Eoghan Masterson Try of the Year Kieran Marmion, v Leinster, September 2014 Connacht also had awards throughout the season for the Player of the Month, as voted by the team's supporters.Dave McSharry won the award for November, George Naoupu was successful in October and prop Denis Buckley was voted the winner in September. http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/new-boys-vie-for-connachts-player-of-the-month-award-30893908.html Irish Independent New boys vie for Connacht's Player of the Month award 2 November 2015 9 January 2015http://www.connachtrugby.ie/mccartney-voted-player-of-the-month/#ConnachtNews Connacht Rugby McCartney voted Player of the Month 2 November 2015 16 January 2015http://www.connachtrugby.ie/healy-voted-player-of-the-month/#ConnachtNews Connacht Rugby Healy voted Player of the Month 2 November 2015 25 February 2015http://www.connachtrugby.ie/muldowney-voted-player-of-the-month/#ConnachtNews Connacht Rugby Muldowney voted Player of the Month 2 November 2015 25 March 2015 2 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151102180345/http://www.connachtrugby.ie/muldowney-voted-player-of-the-month/#ConnachtNews dead http://www.connachtrugby.ie/masterson-voted-player-of-the-month/#ConnachtNews Connacht Rugby Masterson voted Player of the Month 2 November 2015 22 April 2015http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34637.php#.VjefJtLhC1s Irish Rugby Ah You Voted Connacht Player of the Month 2 November 2015 20 May 2015 Month Award Winner September 2014 Denis Buckley October 2014 George Naoupu November 2014 Matt Healy December 2014 Tom McCartney January 2015 Matt Healy February 2015 Aly Muldowney March 2015 Eoghan Masterson April 2015 Rodney Ah You Notes References 2014-15 Category:2014–15 Pro12 by team Category:2014–15 in Irish rugby union