Ciarán Frawley is finally getting his first home appearance for Connacht Rugby, and it comes against one of Europe's most decorated clubs.
Connacht welcomes three-time Champions Cup winner Saracens F.C. to Dexcom Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, for its 2026-27 Investec Champions Cup opener. Frawley starts at fly-half alongside Colm Reilly, while Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje headline a star-studded Saracens lineup.
- Sign Up To Watch Champions Cup Rugby On FloRugby
- 10 Champions Cup Round 1 Betting Picks That Could Pay Off
- This Week On FloRugby: Champions Cup, Challenge Cup Oct. 16-18
Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has reshuffled his side following a defeat to Glasgow Warriors, with Bundee Aki retaining his place in midfield and Cian Prendergast captaining the hosts. Thomas Connolly could make his provincial debut from the bench.
Saracens arrives following a 30-7 Gallagher PREM victory over Bristol Bears. Farrell returns at fly-half, Jamie George starts at hooker and Itoje captains a powerful forward pack featuring Ben Earl.
Here are the confirmed lineups, kickoff details and how to watch.
Connacht vs. Saracens Kickoff Time
Date: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway, Ireland
Competition: Investec Champions Cup, Round 1
Pool: 2
How To Watch Connacht vs. Saracens
Connacht Rugby vs. Saracens will stream live on FloRugby and the FloSports app in the United States.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17. Fans can watch live or on demand with a FloRugby subscription.
Connacht Rugby Starting Lineup vs. Saracens
Francois van Wyk
Matthew Victory
Sam Illo
Darragh Murray
Josh Murphy
Cian Prendergast (c)
Shamus Hurley-Langton
Sean Jansen
Colm Reilly
Ciarán Frawley
Shane Jennings
Bundee Aki
Cathal Forde
Finn Treacy
Sam Gilbert
Connacht Replacements
Eoin de Buitléar
Billy Bohan
Thomas Connolly
Niall Murray
Sean O'Brien
Caolin Blade
Josh Ioane
Daniel Ryan
Saracens Starting Lineup vs. Connacht
Eroni Mawi
Jamie George
Marcus Street
Olamide Sodeke
Hugh Tizard
Maro Itoje (c)
Toby Knight
Ben Earl
Tomos Williams
Owen Farrell
Rotimi Segun
Sione Va'enuku
Nick Tompkins
Noah Caluori
Elliot Daly
Saracens Replacements
Eoghan Clarke
Phil Brantingham
Corné Weilbach
Nick Isiekwe
Nathan Michelow
Alfie Barbeary
Tom James
Fergus Burke
Can I Watch Rugby All Year On FloRugby?
Yes. FloRugby provides live and on-demand rugby coverage throughout the year, including major club and international competitions. Availability varies by competition and region due to broadcasting rights.
What Rugby Competitions Can I Watch On FloRugby?
FloRugby streams competitions including the Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, United Rugby Championship, Gallagher PREM Rugby and Top 14, subject to regional availability.
Visit the FloRugby schedule to see upcoming matches.
Where Can I Find Rugby News, Schedules And Results?
Visit FloRugby for the latest rugby news, match schedules, results, rankings and analysis from competitions around the world.
Watch Rugby Live On FloRugby
Stream rugby live and on demand on FloRugby and the FloSports app. Watch on your computer, mobile device or connected TV.
Sign Up To Watch Rugby On FloRugby
Where Can I Follow FloRugby?
Follow FloRugby across social media for the latest rugby news, highlights and updates.