Connacht begin new era as team evolution signals ambition for 2026/27
Major departures, exciting signings and academy promotions mark a huge summer of change at Galway.
Connacht Rugby enters one of the most important summers in the province’s recent history, with a significant squad overhaul underway ahead of the 2026/27 season.
While several big names are leaving, there is also a real sense of renewal and opportunity around the Sportsground, with the arrival of experienced internationals, the trust of academy talent and long-time servants of the province leaving behind a major legacy.
For supporters, this summer feels less like an end than the start of a new cycle.
Confirmed departures
- Jack Carty – retirement
- Matthew Devine — at Ulster Rugby
- Joe Joyce — at Gloucester Rugby
- Dennis Buckley — destination unknown
Club legend Jack Carty will retire from professional rugby, ending one of Connacht’s great careers of the professional era. Carty played a central role in many of Connacht’s greatest moments and comes out on top as one of the province’s finest servants.
Expected/probable departures
- Jack Aungier – probably at Munster Rugby
- Request a license — destination unknown
- David Hawkshaw — destination unknown
- Peter Dooley — destination unknown
- James Nicholson — destination unknown
- Chay Mullins — destination unknown
- Oisin McCormack — destination unknown
- Oisin Dowling — destination unknown
Should sign again
- Shamus Hurley-Langton
The expected re-signing of Shamus Hurley-Langton would be a huge boost. He has become one of the most important forwards in the province thanks to his tireless physique, leadership and consistency.
Incoming signatures
- Thomas Connolly — from the RFC of Vieux Belvédère
- Jerry Cahir — from Leinster Rugby
- Ciaran Frawley — from Leinster Rugby
- Will Connors — from Leinster Rugby
- François van Wyk — from Bath Rugby
- Barrett’s debt — promoted from the Academy
- Sean Naughton — promoted from the Academy
- Matthew Victoire — promoted from the Academy
The star arrivals are undoubtedly Irish internationals Ciarán Frawley and Will Connors from Leinster Rugby.
Frawley’s versatility at outside, center and back could prove invaluable, while Connors brings tremendous work rate and breakdown quality when fully fit.
Former Bath Rugby prop Francois van Wyk also looks like a smart acquisition, adding size and power to the front row.
There is also excitement around the younger additions, with promotions through the academy underlining Connacht’s continued commitment to developing talent internally.
Most importantly, fans must recognize the commitment of the departing players. Professional rugby careers are short and many of these guys gave absolutely their all for Connacht over several seasons. They leave with a tremendous amount of respect and appreciation from their supporters across the province.
And for those who arrive, they enter a club and fan base desperate to rebuild something exciting.
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