Irish Rugby

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Next five fixtures: Sharks (H), Ospreys (A, Challenge Cup), Black Lion (H, Challenge Cup), Dragons (A), Ulster (A)

It has been a difficult start to life in Galway for former England boss Stuart Lancaster, who replaced Pete Wilkins as Connacht head coach in the summer.

After an opening win over Benetton was followed by the Storm Amy-enforced postponement of their Scarlets game, the western province lost to Cardiff, Bulls and Munster before the international break.

The 28-27 loss to the Bulls in Galway and 17-15 reverse to Munster in Limerick were tough pills to swallow, but Lancaster has had a solid month to devise a plan for breathing new life into Connacht's season.

It starts with the visit of the Sharks to Dexcom Stadium on Saturday (19:45 GMT). After three defeats in their first four games, the South African side signed off before the November break with a 29-19 win over Scarlets.

The Sharks will be without most of their Springboks, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Ethan Hooker and Andre Esterhuizen.

For the hosts, Ireland internationals Bundee Aki, Cian Prendergast and Finlay Bealham are available for selection, but Mack Hansen has been ruled out.

Hansen, who starred at full-back in Ireland's win over Australia earlier this month, is nursing hand and foot injuries with Connacht unsure on a timeline for the 27-year-old's return.

After facing the Sharks, Lancaster will lead Connacht into European action for the first time as the Challenge Cup returns with a trip to Ospreys followed by a home game against Georgian side Black Lion.

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Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he's shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. Listen now.

Peter O'Mahony (blindside flanker)

Peter O'Mahony was another of Ireland's centurions of recent years, totalling 114 caps for his country, along with 197 appearances for Munster alongside Murray. His career also included captaining the Lions in their First Test defeat by the All Blacks in the summer of 2017.

"Peter is just one of those fellas, you have Paul O'Connell at number five and Peter at number six and you know, 'we're not going to get hurt today, we're not going to be outfought.'.

"I played with Pete the whole way through right up until we retired and sometimes I don't think he gets the credit he deserves for being such a great rugby player, that his ability isn't fully recognised, because he is such a good leader.

"Pete was a world-class rugby player who had unbelievably high standards."

Sam Warburton (openside flanker)

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton was part of the Lions touring squads of which Murray was also a member in 2013 and 2017.

He edges out the likes of Sean O'Brien and Josh van der Flier to secure a place in the XV.

"Sam captained two Lions tours. As regards his ability over the ball, Sam was the best in the world for a period of time.

"He probably retired a bit early but what he did in that window was incredibly impressive.

"He was a Lions captain with Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell in that squad in 2013, really daunting.

"He managed to do that and win a series. For what Sam did over a long period of years he deserves to be in there."

Taulupe Faletau (number eight)

Taulupe Faletau played with Murray on three Lions tours, in 2013, 2017 and 2021, and was a mainstay of the successes enjoyed by the Welsh side under Warren Gatland over many years.

He saw off the challenge of the likes of Ireland trio Jamie Heaslip, CJ Stander and Jack Conan to be named in the side.

"I played with Taulupe a lot on those three Lions tours and he's a game-changer, a number eight with X-factor.

"A freakish athlete, a really smart player who comes into the same bracket as Tadhg Furlong, Tadhg Beirne, having the ability to play smart with a bit of flair and pick the right option.

"He has come up with big moments for Wales for years, and for the Lions. He's an absolute gent to play against too.

"A killer of a player but always really humble, a real sincere guy."

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Next five fixtures: Dragons (A), Harlequins (H, Champions Cup), Leicester (A, Champions Cup), Ulster (H), Munster (A)

Perhaps the big Leinster push is upon us. After a stuttering start to the season that yielded defeats by the Stormers, Bulls and Munster, the URC holders are tasked with reversing their fortunes with another Investec Champions Cup campaign beckoning.

And a growing injury list is not what Leo Cullen needed before Friday's contest with the Dragons at Rodney Parade (19:45 GMT).

Already without scrum-half Cormac Foley and Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan, Leinster confirmed long-term injuries for Ryan Baird and Jamie Osborne earlier this week, both of whom are doubts for the start of the Six Nations.

James Culhane is also out "for the next few months" with a knee issue while Will Connors is recovering from an arm injury, while Tommy O'Brien and Robbie Henshaw are also currently out.

Joe McCarthy looks set to be fit next week's Champions Cup opener against Harlequins, which will be the lock's first action of the season.

And there is naturally a great deal of intrigue over Rieko Ioane's arrival. The hugely experienced All Blacks star has joined the province until the end of the season and hopes to replicate his fellow countryman Jordie Barrett's impact for the Blues during the 2024-25 campaign.

It is an unexpected new chapter for Ioane, who cemented himself as one of the most unpopular figures in Irish rugby after clashing with Johnny Sexton.

If he can go one better than Barrett and propel Leinster to their first Champions Cup title since 2018, it would complete a remarkable turnaround for the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year nominee.

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Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he's shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. Listen now.

Tadhg Beirne (second row)

Tadhg Beirne is another who has been part of a British and Irish Lions squad with Murray, also turning out for the ex-scrum-half with Ireland and Munster.

"Tadhg Beirne offers that physicality at the breakdown and plays those passes which suit the modern way of playing the game.

"I'd say if you ask Andy Farrell which two forwards he just could not do without, it would be the two Tadhgs - Furlong and Beirne.

"He's always had an ability to turn over ball and has carved out an unbelievable career.

"Tadhg is one of the best players in the world and has been over the past three years."

England's Maro Itoje, Lions captain for the 2025 tour to Australia, is among those who was also considered by Murray.

Paul O'Connell (second row)

Paul O'Connell, a legendary figure in Irish rugby, played with Murray at Munster, with Ireland and as part of the British and Irish Lions squad which toured Australia in 2013.

"A legend, an icon of the game and an incredible leader. A fella you just want to go to war with and he would go to war with you.

"He drove standards at Ireland, Munster, Lions, for so so long. Just a proper competitor and leader who wanted to win all the time and would do anything to win.

"He brought all of us up, Peter O'Mahony and me and many others - with that kind of mindset - this is good enough, this isn't good enough - a proper trendsetter."

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Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he's shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. Listen now.

Cian Healy (loose-head prop)

Murray played many times with loose-head prop Cian Healy for Ireland, the Leinster prop accumulating 137 international caps.

"It has to be Cian Healy because he changed the game for props, from what was expected.

"For his playing ability and longevity. Even his physique. He was 120 kilos but moved like a centre in his prime.

"He had his injury struggles towards the end of his career and fought back from proper tough places."

Rory Best (hooker)

Murray and hooker Rory Best were long-time Ireland teammates and were both part of the British and Irish Lions tours to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017. The Ulster hooker was capped 124 times by Ireland.

"Rory has to be in there because of how long I played with him and what he did over a long period of time. He was a really intelligent rugby player.

"Everyone knows his leadership qualities and what a teammate he was to everyone, how comfortable he made people feel, which is really important.

"It was his ability as a rugby player, the unglamorous stuff - the breakdown work or scrummaging, stuff that would probably go unnoticed by many people but are integral to a strong team - set-pieces that work really efficiently.

"He had an unbelievable career with Ireland, and multiple Lions tours thrown in there too."

England Lions Tom Youngs and Jamie George received honourable mentions from Murray, along with Ireland's Dan Sheehan.

Tadhg Furlong (tight-head prop)

Tadhg Furlong played regularly with Murray as part of the Ireland squad and both were part of Warren Gatland's Lions touring party in 2017 and 2021.

"Tadhg Furlong is world class. I've played loads of rugby with him and know him really well. He's a proper cornerstone of the Irish team.

"I've seen him since he came into the Ireland camp and just grow into this leader.

"He's a fella that when he speaks, everyone listens to him. He says what he's thinking and he's really smart about how he says it. That's his leadership.

"As a player he's kind of changed the game as well in terms of how props and front rows play - like the little tiny passes they do, he's got those soft skills. He's always an example of how to do things well in the video reviews.

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Bundee Aki has been named on the bench for Connacht's United Rugby Championship game against the Sharks in Galway on Saturday (19:45 GMT).

Aki started Ireland's defeat by world champions South Africa in Dublin last week having appeared off the bench against New Zealand and Australia.

The centre's Ireland team-mates Cian Prendergast, Caolin Blade and Mack Hansen are all ruled out because of injury.

Versatile New Zealand back Sam Gilbert, who joined from the Highlanders last summer, is set to make his debut off the bench.

Paul Boyle captains Connacht from open-side flanker, with Josh Murphy and Sean Jansen completing the back row.

Brothers Niall Murray and Darragh Murray start together in the second row, with Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier named in the front row.

Ben Murphy and Josh Ioane retain their half-back partnership, while Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin are retained in the centres. Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins are named on the wings with Sean Naughton at full-back.

In the backs, Ben Murphy and Josh Ioane continue their partnership at 9 and 10, as do the Galway duo of Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin in the centre. Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins are selecting on the wings with Sean Naughton at full-back.

"Tomorrow [Saturday]'s the start of a really important block for us, as we build on the first four games and aim to set ourselves up for success come the end of the season," said Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster.

"Like any South African side the Sharks have a good mix of power up front and skill out wide, so we have to trust the processes we've worked on in the last few weeks, and feed off the support of the home crowd."

Connacht: Sean Naughton; Chay Mullins, Hugh Gavin, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton; Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy; Jordan Duggan, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier; Niall Murray, Darragh Murray; Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle (capt), Sean Jansen.

Replacements: Eoin de Buitlear, Denis Buckley, Sam Illo, David O'Connor, Sean O'Brien, Matthew Devine, Bundee Aki, Sam Gilbert.

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Next five fixtures: Benetton (H), Racing 92 (H, Challenge Cup), Cardiff (A, Challenge Cup), Leinster (A), Connacht (A)

Having opened their season with three straight wins, Ulster's bubble was burst before the break by the Lions, who won 49-31 at Ellis Park to give Richie Murphy plenty to ponder during the November break.

Ulster return to action against Benetton on Friday (19:45 GMT) - their first home game since 11 October - with a lengthy injury list.

Ireland centre Stuart McCloskey is out with a groin injury, joining Lorcan McLoughlin (elbow), Sean Reffell (shoulder), Ben Moxham (knee), Ethan McIlroy (knee), Eric O'Sullivan (hamstring) and James McNabney (knee) on the sidelines.

Ben Carson and in-form full-back Michael Lowry will also miss the match against Benetton, who beat Ulster 34-19 in Treviso last season.

Like Leinster, Ulster are hoping to be boosted by a high-profile southern hemisphere arrival in the form of Angus Bell.

The 25-year-old Australia prop has arrived in Belfast after joining Ulster until the end of the season, but he will not feature against Benetton on Friday.

While the Wallabies struggled in November, Bell was one of their standout performers, scoring tries against Italy and France.

A victory over Benetton would keep Ulster in the upper echelons of the URC standings and give them a well-timed spring in their step before a mouthwatering Challenge Cup opener against Racing, who lost 31-15 on their last visit to Belfast in December 2023.

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Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he's shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. Listen now.

Bundee Aki (inside centre)

Perhaps not a surprising pick at 12, the New Zealand-born centre has won three Six Nations titles with Ireland and started Lions Tests in 2021 and 2025.

"A freakish athlete, freakishly strong, just a gamebreaker of a 12.

"What he's carved out, he's probably one of the most popular people in Ireland at the moment with the way he plays and how much it means to him.

"Just his ability as a rugby player in attack and defence. He melts people in defence. He's got the odd red card because of it, he lives on that edge."

Brian O'Driscoll (outside centre)

"Drico was just that generational player who changed the game. There was just this aura around him.

"Training with Brian was unbelievable, stuff he did. Everything he did seemed easy to him. He was incredibly physical. There was a period when he scored loads of pick-and-go tries, that was the leader in him saying 'I'm getting us over the line'.

"He was just a generational player who was right at the top."

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Next five fixtures: Stormers (H), Bath (A, Champions Cup), Gloucester (H, Champions Cup), Ospreys (A), Leinster (H)

The international break came at a bad time for Clayton McMillan.

Having started his reign with five wins - highlighted by an impressive dismantling of Leinster at Croke Park - the New Zealander must now ensure his side's early-season momentum has not been disrupted by the Test window.

Across five URC wins and a victory over Argentina XV, McMillan has used 47 players, and his hand has been strengthened this week, with Thaakir Abrahams, Diarmuid Barron, Conor Bartley, Mike Haley, John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen and Niall Scannell all returning to training.

Highly-rated second row Edwin Edogbo is also nearing a return from a head injury, while former Leinster prop Michael Ala'alatoa will join from Clermont in December until the end of the season.

Munster will aim to make it six from six when they host pacesetters Stormers at Thomond Park in a top-two encounter on Saturday (17:30 GMT) before beginning their Champions Cup campaign away to Bath on 6 December.

While the Stormers will be without their South Africa internationals - including Damian Willemse and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu - a win against a side who already have a points difference of +118 would be another eye-catching statement of intent from Munster.

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Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he's shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. Listen now.

Simon Zebo (left wing)

A good friend of Murray's, 'Zeebs' gets the nod in the number 11 shirt. Murray's long-time Ireland and Munster team-mate, Zebo was a member of the 2015 Six Nations-winning squad.

"World class when he was at his peak.

"Incredibly talented, X-factor player. But most importantly from my point of view, just a player you love playing with. He was always happy, always positive.

"At times, it was that easy. You'd give him the ball and he'd do something creative and break up the game."

Anthony Watson (right wing)

The former England and Lions winger - who was forced to retire in January aged 30 - is Murray's pick in the 14 shirt. They played together on the 2017 and 2021 Lions tours.

"Before I knew him or played with him, I played against him and he was devastating. I remember we played them [England] in 2015 at the Aviva. I thought I knew his movements but he made me buckle and then he was gone.

"Even at international level, ultra-quick, quicker than everyone else on the field.

"He had his injury troubles. He would have had way more caps but that Lions tour in 2017, he was unbelievable."

Elliot Daly (full-back)

While capable of playing in several positions across the backline, England and Lions stalwart Elliot Daly is Murray's selection at 15.

"An unbelievable player. A massive boot, really intelligent rugby player and a class operator. He's had a lot of big moments, a three-time Lions tourist.

"When he got selected for the Lions this year, I was unbelievably happy for him. Andy [Farrell] saw the value in him in what he can bring to a squad. He's a hilarious fella, him and Jamie George together are a duo.

"When he got injured in Australia this summer, Andy said he was going home a Lions legend. He's right."

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Conor reveals his Ultimate XV — the dream team of players he's shared the pitch with for Munster, Ireland, or the British & Irish Lions. Listen now.

Mike Phillips (scrum-half)

While giving former Ireland team-mate Jamison Gibson-Park an honourable mention, Murray said he learned a great deal from Wales legend Mike Phillips during their time together on the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour.

"He was class to watch, during his prime he was world-class. He had such big moments in games, like against Ireland in 2011 World Cup when he went down the blind-side and scored a crucial try," said Murray.

"He had many big moments for Wales and the Lions and then to play with him. I remember rooming with him on the Lions, I was so nervous because he was one of my heroes.

"He turned out to be a legend and we're still in touch to this day."

Johnny Sexton (fly-half)

Fellow Munster legend Ronan O'Gara got a prominent mention, but Murray's pick at 10 goes to the 2018 World Rugby Player of the Year, alongside whom he helped steer Ireland to countless big wins.

"World-class, everyone knows that. His rugby brain is just off the charts...how he sees the game is another level to how any of us were thinking on the pitch. We relied so heavily on him.

"Very [demanding]. But that brought the best out of me and made me sharper mentally in terms of being aware and clued into situations in a game and what he's thinking.

"It doesn't always have to be verbal, it can be a look or a feeling of where he might be."

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Ulster back row Nick Timoney says Richie Murphy's team will aim to put on a good performance for their home supporters in their first game in Belfast for seven weeks on Friday night.

The Irish province host Italian side Benetton in a United Rugby Championship encounter at the Affidea Stadium as they return to action after a five-week hiatus for the autumn international series of matches.

Ulster, who lie fifth in the URC table, defeated the Bulls 28-7 in their last home outing on 11 October but signed off for their period of inaction with a 49-31 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg two weeks later.

"Benetton are a really good team now. They're very physical and have loads of dangerous backs," Timoney told BBC Sport NI.

"They're well coached, it seems they have a massive squad and it's hard to know exactly who is going to play.

"It's going to be a really tough challenge but we always back ourselves on our home ground and we're looking forward to putting on a good performance for the crowd."

Timoney is one of three Ireland internationals who will return for the game, along with Springbok Juarno Augustus.

The Italian side are five positions and seven points worse off than their opponents on Friday night after winning two and losing three of their first five fixtures of the campaign.

"We lost away to them last season and they'll be coming here fired up, so we have to be ready for them," cautioned Timoney.

"We had a good start to the season. Obviously the last one [the defeat by the Lions] was a tough one - we had a few injuries and the conditions we maybe didn't handle quite as well - but if we win here it puts us in a good position in the league and hopefully good momentum heading into a big bloc of games."

The 30-year-old was part of the Ireland squad for the recent international series. including scoring the second try in the 41-10 win over Japan, and believes that the experience has a positive impact.

"Playing and training at a very high level makes you feel great coming back in.

"A lot of the Benetton lads will be in the same boat [having been part of the Italy squad]. I feel really good and excited to get back going."

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Munster have named five returning Ireland internationals in their squad ahead of Saturday's match against Stormers at Thomond Park (17:30 GMT).

Captain Tadhg Beirne, Tom Ahern, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell have all been included after international duty.

New signing Michael Ala'alatoa, who has signed a contract until the end of the season, is not included.

In addition to the returning Ireland internationals, Shane Daly, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams and Jeremy Loughman also come into the starting line-up.

Casey and Crowley are paired at half-back while Farrell, who won his first two international caps in the autumn, starts at centre alongside Nankivell.

Beirne captains the side and joins Jack O'Donoghue and Gavin Coombes in the back row.

Ahern, who did not feature for Ireland in November matches despite being named in Andy Farrell's wider squad, will start in the second row.

Munster and Stormers are unbeaten this season going into Saturday's contest in Limerick.

Munster: Shane Daly; Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (capt), Jack O'Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Michael Milne, Ronan Foxe, Edwin Edogbo, John Hodnett, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Dan Kelly.

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Leinster are without their frontline Ireland internationals for Friday's United Rugby Championship game against Dragons at Rodney Parade (19:45 GMT), but Josh Ericson is set to make his debut from the bench.

Back row Ericson, who joined the Leinster academy earlier this month, has been named as a replacement for tomorrow night's game.

Head coach Leo Cullen has made 12 changes to the side from their URC win over Zebre last month, with only fly-half Harry Byrne, centre Hugh Cooney and wing Joshua Kenny retained.

RG Snyman, who won his 50th international cap for the Springboks against Ireland last week, is named among the replacements alongside the uncapped Ericson.

Max Deegan will captain the side from number eight, with Alex Soroka and Scott Penny named on the flanks.

Leinster are without Tommy O'Brien, Robbie Henshaw, Jamie Osborne, Ryan Baird, Will Connors, James Culhane, Joe McCarthy, Cormac Foley and Hugo Keenan because of injury.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris, fly-half Sam Prendergast and first-choice props Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong are among the players rested after the Test window.

Leinster are also without the suspended James Ryan.

The URC holders have lost three of their opening five games, while Friday's opponents are without a win so far this season.

Leinster: O'Brien; Kenney, Cooney, Frawley, Larmour; Byrne, Gunne; Boyle, McCarthy, Clarkson, Deeny, Mangan, Soroka, Penny, Deegan (capt).

Replacements: McKee, Cahir, Slimani, Snyman, Ericson, McGrath, Tector, Moloney

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Three of Ulster's Ireland internationals have been named to start Friday's United Rugby Championship encounter against Benetton in Belfast (19:45 GMT).

While centre Stuart McCloskey is ruled out with a groin injury, Iain Henderson returns to captain Ulster from the second row, with Nick Timoney and Jacob Stockdale also recalled.

Having been deployed on the left wing on his last appearance for Ulster, Stockdale reverts to full-back, where he played in the win over the Bulls last month.

Fit-again Juarno Augustus starts at number eight after recovering from an arm injury, but Cormac Izuchukwu has not been included despite returning to training following a foot issue.

Tom Stewart, who captained an Ireland XV to a win over Spain earlier this month, starts at hooker with Sam Crean and Scott Wilson completing the front row.

Jack Murphy and Nathan Doak are again paired at half-back, with replacement scrum-half Dave Shanahan set to make his 100th appearance for the province off the bench.

An experienced bench also includes Rob Herring, Tom O'Toole and Stewart Moore, who was recalled from his loan at Newcastle Red Bulls earlier this week.

Back row Bryn Ward, who made his debut against the Lions in Johannesburg last month, is also among the replacements, but there is no place in the squad for his older brother Zac, who has started three URC games this season.

Ulster boss Richie Murphy is currently without Ben Carson, Michael Lowry, Lorcan McLoughlin (elbow), Sean Reffell (shoulder), Ben Moxham (knee), Ethan McIlroy (knee), Eric O'Sullivan (hamstring) and James McNabney (knee).

Australia prop Angus Bell, who has joined until the end of the season, was not considered for selection this week.

Fifth-placed Ulster have three wins and a defeat from four games this season. Benetton sit 10th with two wins and three defeats. The Italian side won last season's meeting 34-19 in Treviso.

Ulster: Stockdale; Baloucoune, Hume, Postlethwaite, Kok; Murphy, Doak; Crean, Stewart, Wilson, Henderson (capt), McCann, Timoney, Augustus.

Replacements: Herring, Reid, O'Toole, Dalton, Ward, Shanahan, Flannery, Moore.

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James Ryan has been handed a three-week suspension after the red card he was shown during Ireland's 24-13 defeat by South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday was upheld by an independent disciplinary committee.

Second row Ryan's yellow card for a high hit on Malcolm Marx in the early stages of the loss to the Springboks was subsequently upgraded to a 20-minute red card.

The independent committee determined that by applying World Rugby's sanctioning provisions, a mid-range entry point of six weeks was appropriate.

That has been reduced to three weeks, however, in light of Ryan accepting the red card, his clean record and other mitigating factors.

The sanction could be further reduced to two weeks should Ryan complete World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme as a substitute for the final week of his suspension.

That option is aimed at modifying specific techniques and technical issues which contributed to the incidence of foul play.

As it stands, Ryan is ruled out of Leinster's United Rugby Championship game against Dragons this weekend and the Investec Champions Cup matches at home to Harlequins on 6 December and away to Leicester Tigers on 12 December.