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**Connacht**:
– Jack Aungier (Lansdowne FC)
– Jordan Duggan (Naas RFC)
– Sean Jansen
– Darragh Murray (Buccaneers RFC)
– Shayne Bolton
– Matthew Devine (Corinthians RFC)
– Hugh Gavin (Galwegians RFC)

**Leinster**:
– Jack Boyle (UCD RFC)
– James Culhane (UCD RFC)
– Gus McCarthy (UCD RFC)
– Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD RFC)
– Stephen Smyth (Old Wesley RFC)
– Alex Soroka (Clontarf FC)
– Hugh Cooney (Clontarf FC)
– Cormac Foley (Lansdowne FC)
– Tommy O’Brien (UCD RFC)
– Andrew Osborne (Naas RFC)
– Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne FC)
– Rob Russell (Dublin University FC)

**Munster**:
– Sean Edogbo (UCC RFC)
– Ronan Foxe (Garryowen FC)
– Alex Kendellen (UCC RFC) (C)
– Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC)
– Danny Sheahan (Cork Constitution FC)
– Ethan Coughlan (Shannon RFC)
– Sean O’Brien (Clontarf FC)
– Ben O’Connor (UCC RFC)

**Ulster**:
– Cormac Izuchukwu (Ballynahinch RFC)
– Harry Sheridan (Dublin University FC)
– Scott Wilson (Queen’s University Belfast RFC)
– Jack Murphy (Clontarf FC)
– Jude Postlethwaite (Banbridge RFC)
– Zac Ward (Ballynahinch RFC/Ireland Sevens)

**Emerging Ireland Tour Fixtures**:
2 Oct: vs (4pm local/3pm Irish)
6 Oct: vs (1pm local/12pm Irish)
9 Oct: vs (7pm local/6pm Irish)

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Ulster Rugby Squad Update Ahead of BKT United Rugby Championship Opener

As Ulster Rugby prepares for their BKT United Rugby Championship Round 1 clash against Glasgow Warriors this Saturday, the Medical Performance team has provided a key squad update.

Players Unavailable Due to Injury:

Several players are sidelined and unavailable for selection due to injuries:

• John Cooney (hamstring)
• James Hume (knee)
• Jake Flannery (finger)
• Tom Stewart (ankle)
• Rob Herring (calf)
• Robert Baloucoune (hamstring)

Captain Iain Henderson Returns

In a boost for Ulster Rugby, captain Iain Henderson has recovered from recent surgery and is fit for selection.

Injuries from Pre-Season Friendly

Following injuries sustained during the pre-season friendly against Exeter Chiefs:

• Aaron Sexton (hamstring)
• Reuben Crothers (knee)
• Zac Ward (groin)

Their fitness will be closely monitored during training this week to determine their availability for the opening game.

Stay tuned for further updates as Ulster Rugby finalizes their squad for the much-anticipated season opener against Glasgow Warriors!

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URC Betting Odds: Predicted Finishing Positions

As the United Rugby Championship (URC) season begins, betting odds provide insight into the likely finishers. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders and dark horses based on current odds.

Leinster Dominates

Leinster (4/7) is the clear favorite, heavily backed to secure a top-two finish and remain championship contenders.

Bulls and Munster as Main Challengers

Bulls (5/1) and Munster (5/1) are the main challengers. Munster looks to improve on last season, while the Bulls have consistently proven themselves as a top team.

Stormers and Glasgow in the Mix

Stormers (10/1) and Glasgow (14/1) are in the mix for a potential upset. Glasgow, last season’s finalists, may feel underrated by these odds.

Ulster and Sharks Hoping for a Run

Ulster (16/1) and Sharks (20/1) still have a shot at a deep playoff run, but they’ll need a stellar season to break into the top two.

Outside Contenders

Further down, Edinburgh (30/1) and Connacht (50/1) have slim chances of contesting for the title, though mid-table finishes are more realistic.

Long Shots

At longer odds, Benetton Treviso (70/1), Ospreys (125/1), and Lions (125/1) are not expected to be in contention for top spots, while teams like Cardiff (200/1), Scarlets (175/1), Zebre (500/1), and Dragons (500/1) are likely to be near the bottom of the table.

Likely Finishing Positions (Based on Betting Odds)

1. Leinster (4/7)
2. Bulls (5/1)
3. Munster (5/1)
4. Stormers (10/1)
5. Glasgow (14/1)
6. Ulster (16/1)
7. Sharks (20/1)
8. Edinburgh (30/1)
9. Connacht (50/1)
10. Benetton Treviso (70/1)
11. Ospreys (125/1)
12. Lions (125/1)
13. Scarlets (175/1)
14. Cardiff (200/1)
15. Dragons (500/1)
16. Zebre (500/1)

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Munster Coach Graham Rowntree Eyes One Step Further in BKT URC

Rowntree’s Goal for the Upcoming Season

When asked what Munster Rugby coach Graham Rowntree aims to achieve in this season’s BKT URC, his response was direct:

“I would like to go a week further than last season, that would be a good start.”

Last season, Munster’s title defense ended in the semi-finals with a disappointing 17-10 loss to eventual champions, Glasgow Warriors. Despite being favorites, with ten consecutive wins and home advantage at Thomond Park, Munster couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities.

Reflecting on the Semi-Final Loss

“It was hugely disappointing,” Rowntree admits. “In big games, in big moments, you’ve got to take your opportunities, and we didn’t. We missed chances in crucial areas of the game, and in knockout rugby, that’s costly.”

Despite the defeat, Rowntree was quick to praise Glasgow:

“Crikey, they were a handful everywhere across the field. Tenacious all night around the breakdown. They’re a tough team to play, as their performance in the final showed.”

Learning from Setbacks

Rowntree remains optimistic, saying, “We dealt with the defeat quickly. After ten straight wins, we lost one game by seven points. Anything can happen on the night. We took lessons from it and will keep driving forward.”

He believes Munster is on the right track but admits there’s room for improvement:

“There’s not a lot wrong with what we’ve achieved. We just need to be better in certain moments.”

Pre-Season Challenges: Munster’s Bumpy Ride

Pre-season hasn’t been smooth sailing for Munster, with a 24-21 loss to Bath and a 33-19 defeat at home to Gloucester.

“We could have, should have won against Bath, and Gloucester gave us a real punch on the nose,” Rowntree commented.

However, Rowntree views these losses positively: “After sulking for three days, I’m glad it happened. It’s given us a kick up the backside. We’ve got work to do, but it keeps us grounded.”

Looking Ahead: Munster’s URC Kick-Off

Munster begins their BKT URC campaign against Connacht Rugby this Saturday in Limerick. It will be a key game for new signings, including Diarmuid Kilgallen and Tom Farrell from Connacht, as well as Billy Burns from Ulster, following Joey Carbery’s departure to Bordeaux.

Summing up the season’s challenge, Rowntree said:

“We’re still advancing. We’re not as good as we can be consistently, but we’re getting there. It’s my job to keep pushing for better. I’d like to go a week further than last season. As a boring former English prop would say, we’ll take it week by week.”

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Connacht Rugby Squad Update Ahead of BKT Season

The Connacht Rugby management team has issued a positive squad update ahead of the 2024/25 BKT United Rugby Championship season. Out-half **JJ Hanrahan** (knee) is the only player ruled out for Saturday’s interprovincial clash with **Munster Rugby**, as he recovers from ACL surgery. Hanrahan is on track to return in early 2025.

The rest of Connacht’s **43 Pro players**, along with integrated Academy talent, are in full training at **Dexcom Stadium** after a series of pre-season friendlies against **Sale Sharks**, **Glasgow Warriors**, and **Bristol Bears**.

Following the Munster game, Connacht will face the **Sharks** on Saturday, 28th September, in their first home fixture of the season. Limited tickets are available at **connachtrugby.ie**.

For rugby fans, stay tuned for the latest updates from Connacht Rugby as they kick off their #URC campaign.

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Additionally, don’t miss the exciting matchups across Division 1A, 1B, and other divisions of the Energia AIL, with thrilling encounters from Ballynahinch to Cork Constitution. Keep reading for the full schedule of this week’s must-watch rugby fixtures in Ireland!

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Munster vs Connacht: Key Stats, Records, and Results from the Last Decade Ahead of the URC Clash

As Munster and Connacht prepare for another intense showdown in the United Rugby Championship (URC), it’s worth reflecting on how these Irish provincial rivals have fared against each other over the last decade. From Munster’s consistent home dominance to Connacht’s rare but notable victories, these clashes have provided thrilling rugby, with plenty of tight encounters and some standout performances. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, records, and a comprehensive list of results between Munster and Connacht over the last 10 years.

Key Stats and Records (Last 10 Years)

• Munster’s Biggest Win: Munster’s largest victory over Connacht came on 06/05/17, with a commanding 50-14 win.
• Connacht’s Biggest Win: Connacht’s most dominant performance came on 16/04/16, with a 35-14 victory, a 21-point margin.
• Narrowest Win for Connacht: Connacht’s narrowest victory occurred on 01/01/22, winning a tense game 10-8.
• Longest Winning Streak (Munster): Munster enjoyed a four-game winning streak over Connacht from 05/01/19 to 30/08/20.
• Back-to-Back Home Wins for Connacht: Connacht claimed consecutive home wins over Munster in 2022 with scores of 20-11 and 10-8.
• Munster’s Home Dominance (Exception in 2021): While Munster has been dominant at home, Connacht broke this streak on 14/05/21, securing a 24-20 victory at Thomond Park.
• Connacht’s Rare Double in 2021: Connacht won two games against Munster in 2021, with victories on 14/05/21 (24-20) and 16/10/21 (20-18).
• Highest Combined Score: The match on 28/03/15 saw the highest combined score, with Munster winning 42-20 (62 total points).
• Tight Encounters: Five matches in the last 10 years were decided by 4 points or fewer, showcasing the intense rivalry.
• Connacht’s Improved Competitiveness: Connacht has won 8 out of 22 encounters since 2014, reflecting their growing ability to compete with Munster.

Full Results (Last 10 Years)

• 11/05/24: Munster 47 – 12 Connacht
• 01/01/24: Connacht 22 – 9 Munster
• 26/11/22: Munster 24 – 17 Connacht
• 07/10/22: Connacht 20 – 11 Munster
• 01/01/22: Connacht 10 – 8 Munster
• 16/10/21: Connacht 20 – 18 Munster
• 14/05/21: Munster 20 – 24 Connacht
• 05/03/21: Munster 20 – 17 Connacht
• 09/01/21: Connacht 10 – 16 Munster
• 30/08/20: Munster 49 – 12 Connacht
• 21/12/19: Connacht 14 – 19 Munster
• 27/04/19: Munster 27 – 14 Connacht
• 05/01/19: Connacht 24 – 31 Munster
• 06/01/18: Munster 39 – 13 Connacht
• 27/10/17: Connacht 20 – 16 Munster
• 06/05/17: Munster 50 – 14 Connacht
• 31/12/16: Connacht 9 – 16 Munster
• 16/04/16: Connacht 35 – 14 Munster
• 28/11/15: Munster 12 – 18 Connacht
• 28/03/15: Munster 42 – 20 Connacht
• 01/01/15: Connacht 24 – 16 Munster
• 19/04/14: Connacht 23 – 32 Munster

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The much-anticipated United Rugby Championship (URC) is back, and with the betting markets yet to release official handicaps, here are my early predictions for the opening weekend. These handicaps provide an early insight into how the games may be priced by bookmakers.

Friday Matches

– **Cardiff (-16) vs Zebre**
– **Edinburgh (+9) vs Leinster**

Saturday Matches

– **Dragons (+4) vs Ospreys**

– **Munster (-13) vs Connacht**
– **Bennetton (-12) vs Scarlets**
– **Ulster (-3) vs Glasgow**

These predicted handicaps offer an early look at what to expect before official betting lines are set. Keep an eye on the markets as they open to see how they compare!

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