Connacht Rugby 2025-2026 URC Preview, Schedule & Watch Guide

Connacht Rugby 2025-2026 URC Preview, Schedule & Watch Guide

Connacht Rugby URC 2025–26 season preview with Top 100 players, stats, watch guide and full schedule.

Sep 24, 2025 by Joe Harrington
Connacht Rugby 2025-2026 URC Preview, Schedule & Watch Guide

Connacht endured a tough 2024–25 United Rugby Championship season, finishing 13th on the table with a 6–12 record and 39 points. That left them outside the playoff picture, struggling to consistently match the firepower of the Irish heavyweights Leinster, Munster, and Ulster. 

Despite flashes of creativity in attack, they often leaked points in key moments, leaving them near the bottom half of both offensive and defensive metrics. This year, they’ll be intent on climbing back into the top eight and re-establishing themselves as one of the league’s toughest outs.

Founded as one of Ireland’s four provincial sides, Connacht carries a proud but underdog identity. Long considered a “development” team with fewer resources than Leinster, Munster, and Ulster, they defied expectations by winning the URC title in 2016, beating Leinster in the final. 

The Dexcom Stadium in Galway has become synonymous with grit and spirit, with the club regularly punching above its weight in both domestic and European competition. Their history of producing and nurturing homegrown talent—like Robbie Henshaw and Jack Carty—has been a cornerstone of their rugby identity.

Statistically, Connacht showed both strengths and weaknesses last season. They ranked seventh in attack with 420 points scored and 64 tries. Their defense, however, struggled, conceding 472 points, and their 78% tackle success rate placed them near the bottom. Set pieces were mixed: their scrum was among the least reliable in the URC at 88% success, but their lineout was superb, finishing second overall at 92%. Discipline was a recurring issue, as they conceded 183 penalties and were shown six yellow and two red cards. 

Kicking was another area of concern—they managed just 4 successful penalties and 44 conversions, ranking last in kicking metres. These numbers underline where Connacht must improve if they are to return to playoff contention.

FloRugby Top 100 Players On Connacht Rugby

Connacht placed two players in FloRugby’s 2025 Top 100 list:

  • Bundee Aki (No. 41)
  • Mack Hansen (No. 79)

Aki remains the heartbeat of Connacht’s midfield, bringing leadership, physicality, and big-match experience that few can rival. Hansen, one of the most dynamic wings in the URC, provides pace, creativity, and a constant counterattacking threat. Together, they form the backbone of Connacht’s backline and give the club genuine star power in a competitive league.

How To Watch Connacht Rugby in the U.S.

Every Connacht Rugby match in the 2025–26 URC season will stream live on FloRugby in the United States. Fans can watch through the FloSports app, available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and other smart TV platforms, with full match replays and highlights also available.

Subscribe To The FloRugby Annual Plan To Watch Every Connacht Match in 2025–26

The best way to follow Connacht’s full URC campaign is with the FloRugby annual plan, which gives fans access to every Connacht match, plus coverage of the Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, Top 14, Premiership Rugby, and more throughout the year.

Connacht Rugby Schedule 2025–26

  • Sept. 27, 2:45 p.m. ET – Connacht vs. Benetton, Dexcom Stadium
  • Oct. 3, 3:05 p.m. ET – Connacht vs. Scarlets, Dexcom Stadium
  • Oct. 11, 2:45 p.m. ET – Cardiff vs. Connacht, Cardiff Arms Park
  • Oct. 17, 2:45 p.m. ET – Connacht vs. Vodacom Bulls, Dexcom Stadium
  • Oct. 25, 2:45 p.m. ET – Munster vs. Connacht, Thomond Park
  • Nov. 29, 2:45 p.m. ET – Connacht vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks, Dexcom Stadium
  • Dec. 20, 2:45 p.m. ET – Dragons vs. Connacht, Rodney Parade
  • Dec. 27, 12:30 p.m. ET – Connacht vs. Ulster, Dexcom Stadium
  • Jan. 3, 12:30 p.m. ET – Leinster vs. Connacht, TBC
  • Jan. 24, 12:30 p.m. ET – Connacht vs. Leinster, Dexcom Stadium
  • Jan. 31, 10:00 a.m. ET – Zebre Parma vs. Connacht, Stadio Lanfranchi
  • Feb. 28, 10:00 a.m. ET – Connacht vs. Glasgow Warriors, Dexcom Stadium
  • Mar. 20, 3:45 p.m. ET – Ulster vs. Connacht, Affidea Stadium
  • Mar. 28, 10:15 a.m. ET – Connacht vs. Ospreys, Dexcom Stadium
  • Apr. 18, 12:15 p.m. ET – DHL Stormers vs. Connacht, DHL Stadium
  • Apr. 25, 10:00 a.m. ET – Lions vs. Connacht, Ellis Park
  • May 9, 2:45 p.m. ET – Connacht vs. Munster, Dexcom Stadium
  • May 15, 2:45 p.m. ET – Edinburgh vs. Connacht, Hive Stadium

European Union Rugby Lives On FloSports And FloRugby

Rugby fans can stream every match from the Top 14, Gallagher Premiership, and United Rugby Championship on FloRugby, along with the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, making the platform the U.S. home for the world’s biggest club competitions and the game’s top players

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

Professional club rugby in Europe all streams on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States. FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

Join The Rugby Conversation On FloRugby Social