2017–18 Connacht Rugby season

Connacht
2017–18 season
Head coach Kieran Keane
Chief executive Willie Ruane
Captain John Muldoon
Pro14 6th, Conference A
Challenge Cup Quarter-finals
Top try scorer All: Matt Healy (12)
League: Tiernan O'Halloran (6)
Top points scorer All: Jack Carty (179)
League: Jack Carty (123)
Highest home attendance 8,129 v Gloucester
31 March 2018
8,129 v Leinster
28 April 2018
Lowest home attendance 3,879 v Worcester Warriors
21 October 2017
Average home attendance 5,780
Home colours
Away colours
Third colours
← 2016–17 2018–19 →

The 2017–18 season was Irish provincial rugby union side Connacht Rugby's seventeenth season competing in the Pro14, and the team's twenty-second season as a professional side. It was Kieran Keane's first and only season in charge of the side.

Connacht finished sixth in their seven-team Pro14 conference. As well as playing in the Pro14, the team competed in the Challenge Cup in Europe. They finished first in their pool and advanced to the knockout stage as third seed overall, but were defeated at home by Gloucester in the quarter-finals. The second tier side the Connacht Eagles competed in the 2017–18 British and Irish Cup, finishing third in their pool.

Background

Competition schedule

On 30 June 2017, BBC Wales reported that the two South African teams being dropped from the Super Rugby competition, the Cheetahs and Southern Kings, would be immediately added to Pro12.[1] Their involvement was confirmed on 1 August 2017.[2] The fourteen teams were split into two conferences of seven teams, with each conference featuring two teams each from Ireland and Wales and one team each from Italy, Scotland and South Africa.[3] Connacht were named in Conference A. Each team will play the other teams in their own conference twice and those in the other conference once. Connacht will have two additional derby games against Leinster and Ulster, the Irish provinces in Conference B.[4]

Connacht were entered into the Challenge Cup in Europe, following a play-off defeat to Northampton Saints. The team was drawn in Pool 5 of the competition along with Brive, Worcester Warriors and Oyonnax.

Personnel changes

In February 2017, Connacht announced that New Zealander Kieran Keane, Chiefs attack coach, had signed a three-year contract to become their new head coach, replacing Pat Lam who moved to Bristol.[5] Following Keane's appointment, existing forwards coach Jimmy Duffy signed an extension to his deal and academy manager Nigel Carolan was promoted to backs coach, leaving his post as head coach of the Ireland under-20s to take the role.[6] In May 2017, Peter Wilkins joined from Edinburgh as defence coach.[7]

Among the prominent departures from the first team squad were Irish international scrum-half John Cooney, who joined Ulster, long-serving prop Ronan Loughney, who retired, and former Springbok Marnitz Boshoff, who departed a year earlier than initially planned for personal reasons. Incoming players included Australian flanker Jarrad Butler and prop Peter McCabe, who had previously been on loan with the team. The team also agreed a deal to sign Fiji international Eroni Vasiteri,[8] but the move was called off after he received a nine-week ban for gouging.[9] All Blacks Sevens player Pita Ahki was signed as a replacement.[10]

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
Chief Executive Willie Ruane[11]  Ireland
Team Manager Tim Allnut[12]  New Zealand
Head Coach Kieran Keane[13]  New Zealand
Forwards Coach Jimmy Duffy[14]  Ireland
Backs Coach Nigel Carolan[15]  Ireland
Defence Coach Peter Wilkins[16]  England
Head Performance Analyst Simon Kavanagh[17]  Ireland
Head of Strength and Conditiong David Howarth[18]  Australia
Strength and Conditioning Coach Johnny O'Connor[19]  Ireland
Academy Manager Eric Elwood[20]  Ireland
Connacht Eagles Coach Mossy Lawler[21]  Ireland

Players

Senior playing squad

The Connacht senior squad for 2017–18 is:[22]

Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

Player Position Union
Shane Delahunt Hooker Ireland Ireland
Dave Heffernan Hooker Ireland Ireland
Tom McCartney* Hooker New Zealand New Zealand
Pat O'Toole Hooker Ireland Ireland
Finlay Bealham Prop Ireland Ireland
Denis Buckley Prop Ireland Ireland
Conor Carey Prop Ireland Ireland
JP Cooney Prop Ireland Ireland
Denis Coulson Prop Ireland Ireland
Peter McCabe Prop Ireland Ireland
Dominic Robertson-McCoy* Prop New Zealand New Zealand
Andrew Browne Lock Ireland Ireland
James Cannon* Lock England England
Ultan Dillane Lock Ireland Ireland
Quinn Roux Lock Ireland Ireland
Gavin Thornbury Lock Ireland Ireland
Jarrad Butler Flanker Australia Australia
James Connolly Flanker Ireland Ireland
Naulia Dawai Flanker Fiji Fiji
Jake Heenan* Flanker New Zealand New Zealand
Eoin McKeon Flanker Ireland Ireland
Seán O'Brien Flanker Ireland Ireland
Eoghan Masterson Number 8 Ireland Ireland
John Muldoon (c) Number 8 Ireland Ireland
Player Position Union
Caolin Blade Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Kieran Marmion Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Conor McKeon Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
James Mitchell* Scrum-half England England
Jack Carty Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Steve Crosbie Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Andrew Deegan Fly-half Australia Australia
Pita Ahki Centre New Zealand New Zealand
Bundee Aki Centre Ireland Ireland
Tom Farrell Centre Ireland Ireland
Eoin Griffin Centre Ireland Ireland
Peter Robb Centre Ireland Ireland
Craig Ronaldson Centre Ireland Ireland
Niyi Adeolokun Wing Ireland Ireland
Cormac Brennan Wing Ireland Ireland
Matt Healy Wing Ireland Ireland
Stacey Ili Wing New Zealand New Zealand
Rory Scholes Wing Ireland Ireland
Cian Kelleher Fullback Ireland Ireland
Darragh Leader Fullback Ireland Ireland
Tiernan O'Halloran Fullback Ireland Ireland
  • Senior 15's internationally capped players in bold
  • Players qualified to play for Ireland on dual nationality or residency grounds*
  • Irish Provinces are currently limited to four non-Irish eligible (NIE) players and one non-Irish qualified player (NIQ or "Project Player").[23] Connacht is exempted from this under a separate development arrangement.[24]

Academy squad

The Connacht academy squad for 2017–18 is:[25]

Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

Player Position Union
Matthew Burke (year 1) Prop Ireland Ireland
Conor Kenny (year 2) Prop Ireland Ireland
Conor Kyne (year 3) Prop Ireland Ireland
Conán O'Donnell (year 3) Prop Ireland Ireland
Peter Claffey (year 2) Lock Ireland Ireland
Cillian Gallagher (year 2) Lock Ireland Ireland
Harley Fox (year 1) Flanker Australia Australia
Sean Masterson (year 1) Flanker Ireland Ireland
Paul Boyle (year 1) Number 8 Ireland Ireland
Player Position Union
Ryan Feehily (year 1) Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Stephen Kerins (year 2) Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Luke Carty (year 1) Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Kieran Joyce (year 1) Centre Ireland Ireland
Jordan Conroy (year 1) Wing Ireland Ireland
Colm de Buitléar (year 1) Wing Ireland Ireland
Adam Leavy (year 2) Wing Ireland Ireland
Matthew Byrne (year 2) Fullback Ireland Ireland

Senior team transfers

Playing kit

The official Connacht team and support staff kit supplier for the season is Australian manufacturer BLK sport have supplied the full range of apparel for all of Connacht Rugby's representative teams and support staff since 2013.[48] Connacht's main shirt sponsors are Irish sporting retailer Intersport Elverys, in the second year of a three-year deal.[49]

Connacht launched their new home kit for the season in July 2017, in the traditional green.[50] The team launched new away and European kits in August 2017 during a pre-season friendly against former head coach Pat Lam's side Bristol, wearing the away kit in the first half and the European kit in the second half. The away kit is primarily cyan and white, with white shorts and socks, while the European kit is primarily blue and lime green, with blue shorts and lime green socks.[51]

Results

Pro14

2017–18 Pro14 Tables
Conference A
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1Scotland Glasgow Warriors (SF) 211515614366+248813812276
2Ireland Munster (SF) 211317568361+207784210569
3South Africa Cheetahs (QF) 211209609554+55756810563
4Wales Cardiff Blues 2111010502482+2056595554
5Wales Ospreys 219012390487−9744605344
6Ireland Connacht 217014445477−3253545639
7Italy Zebre 217014408593–18550784436
Conference B
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1Ireland Leinster (CH) 211416601374+227834610270
2Wales Scarlets (RU) 211416528365+16369439370
3Scotland Edinburgh (QF) 211506494375+11962447168
4Ireland Ulster (PO) 211227538482+5668618262
5Italy Benetton 2111010415451−3651556555
6Wales Dragons 212217378672−29443944420
7South Africa Southern Kings 211020378829−451481194311
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order -[52]
  1. number of matches won
  2. the difference between points for and points against
  3. the number of tries scored
  4. the most points scored
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against
  6. the fewest red cards received
  7. the fewest yellow cards received

Green background indicates teams that competed in the Pro14 play-offs, and also earned a place in the 2018–19 European Champions Cup
(excluding South African teams who are ineligible)
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Champions Cup, including the winner of the play-off between the two fourth-ranked European teams in each conference
Yellow background indicates the loser of the play-off between the two fourth-ranked European teams in each conference, that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
Plain background indicates teams that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
(CH) Champions. (RU) Runners-up. (SF) Losing semi-finalists. (QF) Losing quarter-finalists. (PO) Champions Cup play-off winners.

    2 September 2017
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 12–18 Scotland Glasgow Warriors
    Pen: J. Carty (4/4) 1', 19', 40', 60'
    		 Report[53] Try: Price 47' c
    L. Jones 71' m
    Con: P. Horne (1/2) 48'
    Pen: P. Horne (2/3) 11', 45'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 4,017
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
    9 September 2017
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 32–10 South Africa Southern Kings
    Try: Farrell 14' c
    E. Masterson 33' c
    Dillane 40' c
    Leader 69' m
    Con: J. Carty (3/3) 15', 34', 40'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/2) 26', 47'
    		 Report[54] Try: B. Klaasen 31' m
    Pupuma 77' m
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,104
    Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
    15 September 2017
    19:30
    Dragons Wales 21–8 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Amos 1' m
    Dee 18' c
    Con: Henson (1/2) 19'
    Pen: Henson (3/4) 23', 27', 36'
    		 Report[55] Try: Roux 52' m
    Pen: J. Carty (1/1) 6'
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 5,069
    Referee: Quinton Immelman (SARU)
    23 September 2017
    15:15
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 15–17 Wales Cardiff Blues
    Try: Leader 59' m
    Delahunt 74' c
    Con: Leader (1/1) 75'
    Pen: Ronaldson (1/1) 10'
    		 Report[56] Try: Halaholo (2) 37' c, 77' c
    Con: Shingler (1/1) 38'
    Evans (1/1) 79'
    Pen: Shingler (1/1) 63'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 4,659
    Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
    29 September 2017
    19:35
    (1 BP) Scarlets Wales 36–27 Ireland Connacht
    Try: McNicholl 7' c
    S. Evans 17' m
    Patchell 24' c
    Halfpenny 38' c
    Beirne 77' c
    Con: Halfpenny (4/5) 8', 26', 39', 79'
    Pen: Halfpenny (1/2) 57'
    		 Report[57] Try: J. Carty 9' c
    O'Halloran (2) 30' c, 73' m
    Kelleher 35' m
    Con: J. Carty (2/4) 10', 31'
    Pen: J. Carty (1/2) 22'
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 7,693
    Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
    6 October 2017
    19:35
    Ulster Ireland 16–8 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Stockdale 56' c
    Con: Cooney (1/1) 56'
    Pen: Cooney (3/3) 28', 44', 53'
    		 Report[58] Try: McCartney 35' m
    Pen: J. Carty (1/1) 49'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 14,363
    Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)
    27 October 2017
    19:35
    Connacht Ireland 20–16 Ireland Munster (1 BP)
    Try: O'Halloran 22' c
    Farrell 66' c
    Con: J. Carty (1/1) 22'
    Ronaldson (1/1) 67'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/3) 39', 50'
    		 Report[59] Try: Zebo 3' c
    Con: Keatley (1/1) 4'
    Pen: Keatley (2/2) 16', 30'
    Hanrahan (1/1) 65'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 7,089
    Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
    4 November 2017
    19:35
    Connacht Ireland 23–15 South Africa Cheetahs
    Try: Adeolokun 12' c
    McCartney 48' c
    Con: Ronaldson (1/1) 13'
    J. Carty (1/1) 49'
    Pen: Ronaldson (2/3) 5', 29'
    Crosbie (1/1) 73'
    		 Report[60] Try: S. Venter 67' m
    Mapimpi 75' c
    Con: Zeilinga (1/2) 76'
    Pen: Stapelberg (1/2) 40'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 6,012
    Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU)
    24 November 2017
    19:35
    Cardiff Blues Wales 36–30 Ireland Connacht (2 BP)
    Try: Robinson 17' c
    Morgan 52' c
    Lane 60' c
    Con: Evans (1/1) 18'
    Anscombe (2/2) 53', 61'
    Pen: Evans (3/3) 15', 23', 37'
    Anscombe (2/2) 73', 80'
    		 Report[61] Try: Adeolokun 29' c
    Delahunt (2) 55' m, 70' m
    Muldoon 75' c
    Con: J. Carty (1/2) 30'
    Crosbie (1/2) 76'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/2) 12', 33'
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 5,042
    Referee: Craig Evans (WRU)
    2 December 2017
    14:15
    Zebre Italy 24–10 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Meyer 67' c
    Venditti 76' m
    Con: Canna (1/2) 68'
    Pen: Canna (3/4) 10', 40', 61'
    Drop: Canna (1/1) 74'
    		 Report[62] Try: Farrell 43' c
    Con: Crosbie (1/1) 44'
    Pen: J. Carty (1/2) 66'
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 2,000
    Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)
    23 December 2017
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 44–16 Ireland Ulster
    Try: E. Masterson 2' m
    Aki 7' c
    O'Halloran 24' m
    Dillane (2) 54' c, 75' c
    Butler 59' c
    Con: J. Carty (4/6) 8', 56', 61', 76'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/2) 40', 47'
    		 Report[63] Try: Gilroy 65' m
    Lyttle 79' m
    Pen: Cooney (2/2) 23', 32'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 7,629
    Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
    1 January 2018
    15:15
    Leinster Ireland 21–18 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Deegan 28' m
    L. McGrath 60' c
    Con: Sexton (1/2) 61'
    Pen: Sexton (3/3) 6', 25', 49'
    		 Report[64] Try: Bealham 38' c
    Healy 68' m
    Con: J. Carty (1/2) 39'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/2) 1', 34'
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 17,112
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
    6 January 2018
    19:45
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland 39–13 Ireland Connacht
    Try: O'Shea 19' c
    Conway 53' c
    Earls 59' m
    Murray (2) 63' c, 69' c
    Con: Keatley (4/5) 20', 54', 64', 70'
    Pen: Keatley (2/2) 30', 50'
    		 Report[65] Try: McCartney 77' c
    Con: Ronaldson (1/1) 78'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/2) 2', 24'
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 18,604
    Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU)
    9 February 2018
    19:35
    Connacht Ireland 26–15 Wales Ospreys
    Try: E. Masterson 40' c
    Farrell 68' c
    Con: Ronaldson (2/2) 40', 69'
    Pen: Ronaldson (4/5) 9', 23' 53', 75'
    		 Report[66] Try: Howells 18' m
    Morgan-Williams 71' c
    Con: S. Davies (1/2) 72'
    Pen: S. Davies (1/3) 62'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,242
    Referee: Stuart Berry (SARU)
    16 February 2018
    19:35
    Connacht Ireland 11–19 Italy Zebre
    Try: Leader 72' m
    Pen: Ronaldson (2/3) 16', 40'
    		 Report[67] Try: Giammarioli 18' c
    Di Giulio 46' m
    De Marchi 64' c
    Con: Canna (2/3) 19', 65'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,400
    Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU)
    24 February 2018
    12:00
    (1 BP) Benetton Italy 19–22 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Tebaldi 35' c
    Ioane 58' m
    Fuser 80' c
    Con: Banks (2/3) 37', 80'
    		 Report[68] Try: Bealham 43' m
    Butler 61' c
    Griffin 73' c
    Con: Carty (2/3) 62', 74'
    Pen: Carty (1/2) 70'
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 2,100
    Referee: Lloyd Linton (SRU)
    3 March 2018
    17:35
    Cheetahs South Africa 26–25 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Cassiem 3' c
    Maxwane 60' c
    Con: N. Marais (2/2) 4', 61'
    Pen: N. Marais (4/5) 9', 17', 24', 79'
    		 Report[69] Try: Healy (2) 14' c, 20' m
    Griffin 57' c
    Con: J. Carty (2/3) 15', 58'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/3) 38', 42'
    Toyota Stadium
    Attendance: 6,095
    Referee: Stuart Berry (SARU)
    23 March 2018
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 22–29 Scotland Edinburgh
    Try: O'Halloran 11' c
    Farrell 16' c
    Bealham 65' m
    Con: J. Carty (2/2) 12', 17'
    Pen: J. Carty (1/2) 39'
    		 Report[70] Try: Fife 1' m
    Van der Merwe 22' m
    Weir 72' c
    Con: Weir (1/1) 73'
    Pen: Van der Walt (1/1) 7'
    Weir (3/3) 61', 70', 80'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,048
    Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)
    6 April 2018
    19:35
    (1 BP) Ospreys Wales 39–10 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Hassler 14' c
    Evans 26' c
    Otten 52' c
    Beck 60' c
    Dirksen 66' m
    Con: Biggar (4/5) 15', 27', 52', 61'
    Pen: Biggar (2/2) 2', 9'
    		 Try: Ronaldson 21' c
    Con: Ronaldson (1/1) 22'
    Pen: J. Carty (1/2) 39'
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 8,092
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
    13 April 2018
    19:35
    (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland 35–22 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Hogg 3' c
    Dunbar 26' c
    Brown 40' c
    Pyrgos 43' m
    Con: P. Horne (3/4) 4', 27', 40'
    Pen: P. Horne (3/3) 7', 13', 21'
    		 Report[71] Try: Bealham 1' m
    Blade 67' c
    Penalty try 75'
    Con: J. Carty (1/2) 68'
    Pen: J. Carty (1/1) 24'
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 7,351
    Referee: Frank Murphy (IRFU)
    28 April 2018
    15:05
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 47–10 Ireland Leinster
    Try: Adeolokun (2) 2' c, 41' m
    O'Halloran 28' c
    Marmion (2) 32' c, 49' c
    Aki 70' c
    Blade 75' c
    Con: J. Carty (4/5) 4', 28', 32', 50'
    Ronaldson (1/1) 71'
    Muldoon (1/1) 76'
    		 Report[72] Try: B. Daly 53' c
    Con: Carbery (1/1) 54'
    Pen: Carbery (1/2) 12'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 8,129
    Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU)

    Challenge Cup

    Pool 5

    Team
    		 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    Ireland Connacht (3) 6510225102+12329154026
    France Brive (7) 6303161162−123194117
    England Worcester Warriors 6213124133–916173215
    France Oyonnax 6105102215−1131128004
    14 October 2017
    20:00
    Oyonnax France 15–43 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Tian 25' c
    Müller 30' m
    Con: Audy (1/2) 26'
    Pen: Ruiz (1/1) 3'
    		 Report Try: Healy (2) 3' c, 51' c
    Kelleher 11' m
    McKeon 22' c
    Leader 79' m
    Con: Deegan (3/5) 4', 24', 52'
    Pen: Deegan (4/4) 38', 44', 57', 61'
    Stade de Genève
    Attendance: 3,500
    Referee: Tom Foley (RFU)
    21 October 2017
    15:00
    Connacht Ireland 15–8 England Worcester Warriors (1 BP)
    Try: E. Masterson 5' m
    Healy 57' c
    Con: J. Carty (1/2) 58'
    Pen: J. Carty (1/1) 20'
    		 Report Try: Adams 51' m
    Pen: Lance (1/1) 74'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 3,879
    Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
    9 December 2017
    21:00
    (2 BP) Brive France 31–38 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Tadjer (2) 15' c, 45' c
    Cazenave 24' c
    Brugnaut 28' m
    Namy 70' m
    Con: Germain (3/4) 16', 25', 47'
    		 Report Try: Dillane 31' c
    Marmion 39' c
    J. Carty 48' c
    Kelleher 61' m
    Con: J. Carty (3/4) 32', 40', 49'
    Pen: J. Carty (4/4) 6', 43', 59', 67'
    Stade Amédée-Domenech
    Attendance: 3,000
    Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys (RFU)
    16 December 2017
    15:00
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 55–10 France Brive
    Try: Healy (4) 5' c, 49' c, 57' c, 69' c
    J. Carty 32' c
    Marmion 60' c
    Farrell 74' c
    Con: J. Carty (7/7) 6', 33', 50', 59', 61', 70', 75'
    Pen: J. Carty (2/2) 12', 41'
    		 Report Try: Germain 29' c
    Con: Germain (1/1) 29'
    Pen: Germain (1/1) 39'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,572
    Referee: Ian Tempest (RFU)
    13 January 2018
    15:00
    (1 BP) Worcester Warriors England 24–24 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Humphreys (2) 1' c, 22' m
    Lewis 4' m
    Adams 38' c
    Con: Pennell (2/3) 3', 40'
    		 Report Try: Muldoon 16' c
    Adeolokun 26' c
    O'Halloran 59' c
    Con: Ronaldson (3/3) 17', 26', 59'
    Pen: Ronaldson (1/1) 53'
    Sixways Stadium
    Attendance: 6,670
    Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (FFR)
    20 January 2018
    14:30
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 50–14 France Oyonnax
    Try: Adeolokun (3) 1' m, 3' c, 31' m
    Aki 10' c
    O'Halloran 19' m
    Healy 33' c
    Farrell 66' c
    Penalty try 75'
    Con: Ronaldson (2/4) 3', 11'
    O'Halloran (2/3) 34', 67'
    		 Report Try: Müller 16' c
    Ikpefan 39' c
    Con: Fuertes (1/1) 17'
    Hall (1/1) 40'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,017
    Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys (RFU)

    Pool winners and runners-up rankings

    Rank Pool Leaders Pts Diff TF
    1France Pau29+8228
    2England Newcastle Falcons28+10733
    3Ireland Connacht26+12329
    4Scotland Edinburgh25+18440
    5Wales Cardiff Blues21+412
    Rank Pool Runners–up Pts Diff TF
    6England Gloucester21+11437
    7France Brive17–123
    8France Stade Français17–1521
    9Wales Dragons16+2321
    10France Toulouse14–314

    Quarter-finals

    31 March 2018
    13:00
    Connacht Ireland (3) 28–33 (6) England Gloucester
    Try: Marmion 7' m
    Aki 19' m
    Adeolokun 45' m
    Healy 70' c
    Con: Ronaldson (1/1) 71'
    Pen: J. Carty (1/1) 49'
    Ronaldson (1/1) 67'
    		 Report Try: Hanson 3' m
    Marshall 26' m
    Trinder 37' m
    Afoa 55' c
    Con: Williams (2/4) 38', 57'
    Pen: Williams (2/2) 42', 63'
    Twelvetrees (1/1) 77'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 8,129
    Referee: Romain Poite (FFR)

    References

    1. ↑ Lloyd, Matt; Griffiths, Gareth (30 June 2017). "South African sides Cheetahs and Southern Kings set to join Pro12". BBC Sport Wales. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
    2. ↑ "Statement: Expansion to Guinness PRO14 Championship". pro12rugby.com. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
    3. ↑ "Pro14: Who's in? How will conferences work? What about derby matches?". BBC Sport. 1 August 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2017.
    4. ↑ Cummiskey, Gavin (7 July 2017). "Pro12 will be expanded to include two South African teams". The Irish Times. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
    5. ↑ "Kieran Keane appointed new Head Coach". connachtrugby.ie. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
    6. ↑ "Connacht confirm Carolan and Duffy as part of new coaching team". RTÉ Sport. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
    7. ↑ "Connacht appoint former Queensland Reds and Edinburgh defence coach". The42. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
    8. ↑ "Connacht sign Fiji centre Eroni Vasiteri Narumasa on one-year deal". Sky Sports. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
    9. ↑ "Eroni Vasiteri's nine-week ban for eye-gouging puts paid to Connacht move". RTÉ Sport. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
    10. ↑ "Connacht announce the signing of centre Pita Akhi". Irish Independent. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
    11. ↑ "Connacht appoint Willie Ruane as new CEO". Irish Independent. 8 May 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
    12. ↑ "'I just came over here to visit my brother and I never left'". Irish Independent. 16 January 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
    13. ↑ "Keane edge echoes Lam's rags to riches story - Everything you need to know about the new Connacht coach". Irish Independent. 20 February 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
    14. ↑ "Jimmy Duffy is new Connacht forwards coach". RTÉ Sport. 9 June 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
    15. ↑ "Connacht confirm Carolan and Duffy as part of new coaching team". RTÉ Sport. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
    16. ↑ "Connacht appoint former Queensland Reds and Edinburgh defence coach". The42. 9 May 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
    17. ↑ "Conor McPhilips to replace Andre Bell as Connacht backs' coach". Irish Times. 8 June 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
    18. ↑ "Aussie coach joins Connacht backroom team after three years with leading NBA side". The42. 8 June 2017. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
    19. ↑ "Connacht son Johnny O'Connor returns to join club's backroom team". The42. 25 June 2017. Retrieved 26 June 2017.
    20. ↑ "Connacht legend Eric Elwood succeeds Carolan as academy manager". The42. 28 April 2017. Retrieved 21 May 2017.
    21. ↑ "Former Irish international added to the Connacht coaching ticket for the remainder of the season". The42. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
    22. ↑ "Connacht Rugby: Senior Squad". Connacht Rugby. Archived from the original on 27 January 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2018.
    23. ↑ "Not all rules are made to be broken". Irish Independent. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2018. Ireland's set-up demands a maximum of five NIEs - one of whom is a project player
    24. ↑ "Foreign stars hit by new IRFU contract rules". The42. 21 December 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2018. The changes will not apply to Connacht who recently agreed a separate programme of structural and performance development with the IRFU.
    25. ↑ "Connacht Rugby confirm Academy Squad for 2017/18 Season". Connacht Rugby. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
    26. 1 2 3 "Connacht Academy trio join senior ranks". Planet Rugby. 23 May 2017.
    27. ↑ "Connacht capture Coulson". Planet Rugby. 28 August 2017.
    28. ↑ "Connacht sign Munster prop". Planet Rugby. 12 June 2017.
    29. ↑ "Ex-Leinster lock Thornbury joins Connacht after spell in New Zealand". The 42. 24 April 2017.
    30. ↑ "Butler signs for Connacht". Planet Rugby. 11 July 2017.
    31. ↑ "Connacht sign Irish qualified ex-England U20's scrum-half James Mitchell". Irish Independent. 8 June 2017.
    32. ↑ "Connacht capture Andrew Deegan". connachrtugby.ie. 3 August 2017.
    33. ↑ "Connacht Sign Centre Pita Ahki" (Press release). Connacht Rugby. 19 October 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 19 October 2017.
    34. ↑ "Connacht capture Scholes signature". Planet Rugby. 8 August 2017.
    35. ↑ "Exciting times ahead". Irish Independent. 1 September 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
    36. 1 2 3 "Homegrown stalwart Loughney and Fox-Matamua among 11 bound for Connacht exit this summer". The42. 27 April 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
    37. ↑ "Connacht's Ben Marshall forced to retire due to concussion injury". Sky Sports. 31 January 2017.
    38. ↑ "Nottingham Rugby sign Danny Qualter from PRO12 side Connacht". Nottingham Post. 7 April 2017.
    39. ↑ "Stevenson Takes Up Player-Coach Role With Bangor". Irish Rugby. 24 May 2017.
    40. ↑ "Thames Valley aiming for much-improved Heartland Championship showing". Stuff.co.nz. 24 August 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
    41. ↑ "Ulster sign Springbok Arno Botha and Connacht scrum-half John Cooney". BBC Sport. 16 January 2017.
    42. ↑ "Bulls swoop for Boshoff". www.sarugbymag.co.za. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
    43. ↑ "Connacht release outhalf Marnitz Boshoff on compassionate grounds". RTÉ Sport. 2 August 2017.
    44. ↑ "Canada fly-half Shane O'Leary joins Ealing Trailfinders". Ealing Trailfinders. 23 September 2017.
    45. ↑ "Southern claim banner as season ends". odt.co.nz. 29 July 2017. Retrieved 27 September 2017.
    46. ↑ "Here's what happened in the Ulster Bank League today". The42. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
    47. ↑ "Connacht academy wing Leavy joins Ireland 7s squad targeting World Cup qualification". The 42.ie. 11 July 2017.
    48. ↑ "Connacht strike new deal with Australian kit suppliers". Galway Advertiser. 20 June 2013.
    49. ↑ "Connacht sign new 3-year sponsorship deal with Elverys". The42. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
    50. ↑ "Connacht And BLK Launch New Kit For 2017/18". Irish Rugby. 20 July 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
    51. ↑ "What do you think of Connacht's new away and European kits?". The42. 26 August 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
    52. ↑ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
    53. ↑ Baker, Luke. "Glasgow Warriors battle to victory over defiant Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 4 September 2017.
    54. ↑ Tomas, Fiona. "Connacht up and running with victory over Southern Kings". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
    55. ↑ Baker, Luke. "Dragons claim first win of the season against Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
    56. ↑ Tomas, Fiona. "Halaholo's heroics get Cardiff Blues up and running after win at Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
    57. ↑ Bennett, Chris. "Scarlets hold on to beat Connacht in thriller". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
    58. ↑ Bennett, Charlie. "Sublime Stockdale inspires Ulster against Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
    59. ↑ Talbot-Smith, Charlie. "Farrell leaves it late as Connacht down 14-man Munster". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
    60. ↑ Peat, Charlie. "Adeolokun shines as Connacht brush Toyota Cheetahs aside". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
    61. ↑ Talbot-Smith, Charlie. "Cardiff hold on to give Connacht the Blues". Retrieved 24 November 2017.
    62. ↑ Bennett, Charlie. "Zebre turn on the style in Connacht win". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 2 December 2017.
    63. ↑ Eddison, Paul. "Connacht on fire to see off Ulster". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 23 December 2017.
    64. ↑ Booker, Jimmy. "Leinster hold firm for dramatic win over Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
    65. ↑ Dore, Rich. "Munster get back to winning ways with big win over Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
    66. ↑ Andrew, James. "Masterson and Farrell help Connacht see off Ospreys". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
    67. ↑ Talbot-Smith, Charlie. "Zebre end Connacht's three game unbeaten run". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
    68. ↑ Jones, Phil. "Connacht edge to narrow win and halt Benetton's winning run". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 24 February 2018.
    69. ↑ Thompson, Will. "Marais snatches victory for Cheetahs with last minute penalty". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
    70. ↑ Barnes, Daniel. "Weir whips up Edinburgh success at Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
    71. ↑ Booker, Jimmy. "First-half masterclass sees Glasgow defeat Connacht". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
    72. ↑ Thompson, Will. "Clinical Connacht topple Leinster in style". GuinnessPro14. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
    This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.