URC Connacht vs Leinster preview: Clan stand opens for Leinster

Connacht vs Leinster – URC Preview

West Awake: Clan stand opens for Leinster test

This one feels bigger than a standard championship match. The opening of the new Clan Stand brings a real occasion to Galway, with over 12,000 people expected through the gates. And this time you will feel at home.

Despite Leinster’s roving support, the split is expected to be 80/20 in favor of Connacht. A real Western crowd. Loud, sharp, emotional – the type of atmosphere Sportsground thrives on. This is what Connacht rugby is based on.

Leinster are expected to name a team very similar to the one that dismantled Connacht 52-17 at the Aviva a few weeks ago. This result tells its own story and explains why disability is at Leinster-7.

“What makes this group truly special is how we play and how we represent the west of Ireland. We want to give Connacht fans a team that they truly connect with and support. This weekend is an opportunity to show what the new Clan Stand can become – and hopefully give people a taste of the atmosphere we can create with our performance.”
—Cian Prendergast

It’s the heartbeat of this band. Identify. Pride. Represent where they come from.

The book form (and it’s a brutal read)

Connacht’s recent assessment shows the scale of the challenge:

They just won A of their last Seven URC matches, a 44-17 victory over the Sharks in the sixth round.
They lost their last 11 URC matches against the Irish provinces.
Their last home win against Leinster was April 2018 (47-10) – there’s a lifetime ago in rugby terms.

Leinster, meanwhile, arrive in ruthless form:

They won nine in a row matches in all competitions since their fourth round defeat against Munster.
They took ten consecutive URC wins over Connacht, dating back to January 2021.
They also won their last two away league matches, although they have not managed three away since February 2025.

The story, the form, and the momentum are all moving in the same direction.

Team News

Connacht’s injury list remains heavy.

Unavailable

Mack Hansen (end of season)
Finlay Bealham (still a few weeks away)
Hugh Gavin
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Oisin Dowling
Byron Ralston
Seamus Hurley-Langton
Shayne Bolton

Doubtful

Dave Heffernan (calf – currently being monitored)

The big boost is Josh Ioanewhich should be in good shape. His game management and pace will be essential if Connacht are to turn pressure into points. They will need a quick start and feed off the crowd early.

“We talked a lot about that Mayo game last year. Some of the guys felt that perhaps we hadn’t emphasized enough on the scale of the event beforehand, and when we arrived the atmosphere surprised us a bit. That’s something we really learned going into that game.”
—Stuart Lancaster

In other words, Connacht will not underestimate the moment.

How this could play out

Connacht will go out flying. Expect big collisions, high pace and a crowd driving every carry and tackle. They will want to make the situation complicated, emotional and uncomfortable.

But Leinster is made for that. Their control, patience and bench depth usually decide late games.

Betting line: Leinster-7

Call it: Leinster by 8-10… but it will seem closer than the scoreline suggests.

And I hope the IRFU talks to Leo Cullen and he sends out the D team, Connacht catches fire and the Sportsground has a really special night to remember.

If Connacht can stay close late, the Sportsground will be buzzing.