Dear rugby fans,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Round of 16 of the 2025/26 season. Following a fiercely contested pool stage decided by the finest margins, the competition now enters its knockout phase. From this point on, every match is decisive. Every moment matters.
The Round of 16 represent a defining stage of the season. The clubs still in contention have demonstrated consistency, ambition and the ability to perform under pressure. Now, there is no room for error. Intensity rises, stakes increase and only the strongest will continue their journey.
This edition once again highlights the strength and global appeal of international club rugby. New match-ups, established rivalries and outstanding performances reflect the depth and quality that make this competition truly unique. Players, coaches and supporters together create moments that resonate far beyond the final whistle.
The road to the 2026 Final in Bilbao is becoming clearer. Every fixture in these Round of 16 represents a crucial step along that path. The passion shown in stadiums and across worldwide audiences underlines the importance of these knockout matches and the connection they create with supporters around the world.
Alongside the action on the pitch, EPCR remains committed to advancing international club rugby responsibly. Through our impACT strategy, we continue to reduce our environmental footprint, strengthen community programmes and deliver a positive long-term legacy on and off the field.
I would like to thank our partners whose support is vital to the success of the competition. Investec, Emirates, DHL, Georgia Tourism, Jaecoo, Gilbert and Macron, play a key role in the continued growth and development of these competitions.
Whether you are in the stadium or watching from afar, thank you for being part of this journey. Your passion and commitment are central to everything we do.
I wish you an intense, compelling and memorable Round of 16.
Yours sincerely,
Dominic McKay
Chairman, EPCR
Josh Ioane: The Sharks will bring a different challenge
Josh Ioane believes Connacht will need to be at their very best when they welcome Sharks Rugby to Dexcom Stadium this Friday night for a high-stakes Challenge Cup Last 16 clash.
Under the lights in Galway, knockout rugby brings a different edge, and the Connacht out-half is expecting nothing less than a full-blooded contest.
“This is what you want to be involved in. There’s a real excitement in the group, especially with the run we’ve been on.”
Connacht head into the tie in strong form, having won their last five games, building momentum at a crucial stage of the season. Earlier in the season Connacht had an impressive 44–17 win over the Sharks earlier in the URC - a result Ioane insists will count for little come Friday night.
“You can’t read too much into that previous game. They’re a quality side and we know they’ll bring a different level this time. In knockout rugby, everything just goes up a notch - the intensity, the physicality, the accuracy you need.”
The South African side are renowned for their power and direct style, something Ioane says Connacht are fully prepared for.
“They have so many strings to their bow bu they’re incredibly physical. That’s a big thing you notice when you play against teams like the Sharks. They carry hard, they’re dominant in contact and they look to put you under pressure up front. We know we’ll have to match that physically first and foremost, otherwise it’s a long night.”
While the challenge on the pitch will be immense, Ioane was quick to highlight the role Connacht’s supporters can play in helping the team rise to the occasion.
“The fans have been unbelievable the last few weeks,” he said. “You can really feel the energy they bring, especially at home. When the crowd gets behind you, it gives you that extra push, particularly in big moments.”
Friday night’s fixture, with its knockout stakes and evening atmosphere, is perfectly set up for another strong showing from the home support.
“We’re going to need them again. A big crowd, lots of noise - that can make a huge difference. It puts pressure on the opposition and lifts us when we need it most. Hopefully we can give them plenty to get behind.”
As an out-half, Ioane will be central to how Connacht manage the game, balancing territory and tempo against a dangerous Sharks side.
“For me, it’s about controlling things as best I can. Making good decisions, putting us in the right areas of the pitch and bringing energy to the attack. But it’s a collective effort - everyone has a role to play in games like this.”
With five straight wins behind them and a place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals on the line, Connacht will be aiming to make home advantage count once more.
“There’s a good belief in the squad at the moment. We’ve built some momentum, but this is a different challenge now. It’s knockout rugby, so there’s no second chances. We’ll need to be accurate, physical and take our opportunities when they come.”
Friday night in Dexcom Stadium promises intensity, edge, and a battle from first whistle to last - and if Connacht are to keep their impressive run going, Ioane knows both players and supporters will have to play their part.
BUNDEE AKI
Position: Centre
Place of Birth: Auckland, NZ
Date of Birth: 7/4/1990
Height: 174cm
Weight: 102kg
Connacht Number: #854
JACK AUNGIER
Position: Tighthead Prop
Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE
Date of Birth: 20/11/1998
Height: 188cm
Weight: 120kg
Connacht Number: TBC
FINLAY BEALHAM
Position: Tighthead Prop
Place of Birth: Canberra, AUS
Date of Birth: 9/10/1991
Height: 188cm
Weight: 119kg
Connacht Number: #844
CAOLIN BLADE
Position: Scrum Half
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 29/4/1994
Height: 169cm
Weight: 80kg
Connacht Number: #847
SHAYNE BOLTON
Position: Back Three
Place of Birth: Pretoria, SA
Date of Birth: 29/6/2000
Height: 188cm
Weight: 100kg
Connacht Number: #933
PAUL BOYLE
Position: Back Row
Place of Birth: Wexford, IRE
Date of Birth: 14/1/1997
Height: 190cm
Weight: 107kg
Connacht Number: #894
DENIS BUCKLEY
Position: Loosehead Prop
Place of Birth: Roscommon, IRE
Date of Birth: 9/8/1990
Height: 176cm
Weight: 107kg
Connacht Number: #808
EOIN DE BUITLÉAR
Position: Hooker
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 11/09/2001
Height: 175cm
Weight: 104kg
JACK CARTY
Position: Out Half
Place of Birth: Roscommon, IRE
Date of Birth: 31/8/1992
Height: 183cm
Weight: 88cm
Connacht Number: #827
JOHN DEVINE
Position: Centre
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 26/12/2003
Height: 186cm
Weight: 99kg
MATTHEW DEVINE
Position: Scrum Half
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 19/02/2002
Height: 180cm
Weight: 84kg
PETER DOOLEY
Position: Loosehead Prop
Place of Birth: Birr, IRE
Date of Birth: 4/8/1994
Height: 183cm
Weight: 113cm
Connacht Number: #937
OISIN DOWLING
Position: Lock
Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE
Date of Birth: 23/06/1997
Height: 197cm
Weight: 109kg
Connacht Number: #927
JORDAN DUGGAN
Position: Loosehead Prop
Place of Birth: Kildare, IRE
Date of Birth: 7/1/1998
Height: 187cm
Weight: 114kg
Connacht Number: #919
CATHAL FORDE
Position: Centre
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 11/4/2001
Height: 188cm
Weight: 95kg
Connacht Number: #936
DAVID HAWKSHAW
Position: Centre
Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE
Date of Birth: 3/7/1999
Height: 175cm
Weight: 85kg
Connacht Number: #941
DAVE HEFFERNAN
Position: Hooker
Place of Birth: Mayo, IRE
Date of Birth: 31/1/1991
Height: 187cm
Weight: 110kg
Connacht Number: #821
SHAMUS HURLEY-LANGTON
Position: Back Row
Place of Birth: Taranaki, NZ
Date of Birth: 22/4/2000
Height: 183cm
Weight: 106kg
Connacht Number: #940
SAM ILLO
Position: Tighthead Prop
Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE
Date of Birth: 16/2/2001
Height: 185cm
Weight: 118kg
Connacht Number: #935
JOSH IOANE
Position: Out Half
Place of Birth: Auckland, NZ
Date of Birth: 11/7/1995
Height: 180cm
Weight: 85kg
SEAN JANSEN
Position: Back Row
Place of Birth: Dunedin, NZ
Date of Birth: 10/5/1999
Height: 191cm
Weight: 117kg
SHANE JENNINGS
Position: Back Three
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 14/1/2001
Height: 191cm
Weight: 96kg
JOE JOYCE
Position: Lock
Place of Birth: Bristol, ENG
Date of Birth: 7/2/1994
Height: 195cm
Weight: 119kg
TEMI LASISI
Position: Prop
Place of Birth: Wexford, IRE
Date of Birth: 9/5/2001
Height: 183cm
Weight: 125kg
OISIN MCCORMACK
Position: Back Row
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 21/2/2001
Height: 183cm
Weight: 100kg
CHAY MULLINS
Position: Back Three
Place of Birth: Bristol, ENG
Date of Birth: 23/1/2002
Height: 193cm
Weight: 94kg
BEN MURPHY
Position: Scrum Half
Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE
Date of Birth: 23/4/2001
Height: 173cm
Weight: 80kg
JOSH MURPHY
Position: Lock/Back Row
Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE
Date of Birth: 17/2/1995
Height: 198cm
Weight: 100kg
Connacht Number: #938
DARRAGH MURRAY
Position: Lock
Place of Birth: Roscommon, IRE
Date of Birth: 4/7/2001
Height: 201cm
Weight: 115kg
Connacht Number: #944
NIALL MURRAY
Position: Lock
Place of Birth: Roscommon, IRE
Date of Birth: 13/10/1999
Height: 199cm
Weight: 11kg
Connacht Number: #914
SEAN O'BRIEN
Position: Back Row
Place of Birth: Pennsylvania, USA
Date of Birth: 31/7/2000
Height: 190cm
Weight: 103kg
DAVID O'CONNOR
Position: Lock
Place of Birth: Dublin, IRE
Date of Birth: 19/5/1995
Height: 193cm
Weight: 110kg
CIAN PRENDERGAST
Position: Back Row
Place of Birth: Kildare, IRE
Date of Birth: 23/2/2000
Height: 193cm
Weight: 112kg
Connacht Number: #923
BYRON RALSTON
Position: Centre
Place of Birth: Darwin, AUS
Date of Birth: 3/5/2000
Height: 184cm
Weight: 88kg
Connacht Number: #939
COLM REILLY
Position: Scrum Half
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 8/9/1999
Height: 176cm
Weight: 78kg
Connacht Number: #924
DYLAN TIERNEY-MARTIN
Position: Hooker
Place of Birth: Galway, IRE
Date of Birth: 20/6/1999
Height: 182cm
Weight: 101kg
Connacht Number: #929
General Manager of Performance
Billy Millard
Head of Rugby Operations
Tim Allnutt
Head Coach
Stuart Lancaster
Senior Attack Coach
Rod Seib
Scrum & Contact Coach
Cullie Tucker
Lineout & Maul Coach
John Muldoon
Senior Performance Analyst
Simon Kavanagh
Head of Athletic Performance
Allan Temple-Jones
Head of Physiotherapy
Dave Hanly
Logistics Manager
Martin Joyce
Senior Athletic Performance Coach
Mark Brady
Performance Coach
Mike O'Driscoll
Physiotherapist
Mitchell Ward
Nutritionist
Marcia Jerram
Assistant Performance Analyst
Oisin O'Dalaigh
Communications Manager
Stephen Long
Massage Therapist
Robbie Fox
Team Doctor
Enda Devitt
RPI Player Development Manager
Ronan Loughney
CONNACHT RUGBY:
15. Sam Gilbert
14. Shane Jennings
13. Cathal Forde
12. Bundee Aki
11. Chay Mullins
10. Josh Ioane
9. Matthew Devine
1. Billy Bohan
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Sam Illo
4. Joe Joyce
5. Darragh Murray
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Cian Prendergast
Replacements:
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin
17. Peter Dooley
18. Finlay Bealham
19. Niall Murray
20. Paul Boyle
21. Colm Reilly
22. Sean Naughton
23. John Devine
SHARKS:
15. Hakeen Kunene
14. Edwill Van Der Merwe
13. Le Roux Malan
12. Marnus Potgieter
11. Makazole Mapimpi
10. Jean Smith
9. Ross Braude
1. Ox Nche
2. Eduan Swart
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Deon Slabbert
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Jannes Potgieter
8. Nick Hatton (C)
Replacements:
16. Ethan Bester
17. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
18. Mawande Mdanda
19. Corne Rahl
20. Vincent Tshituka
21. Ceano Everson
22. Siya Masuku
23. Ethan Hooker
The Sharks is a proud and successful rugby franchise located in Durban, South Africa. Over the past three decades, this internationally renowned brand has evolved from a provincial rugby brand to a commercially recognised sporting brand of international acclaim, promoting an intrinsic family lifestyle value as well as fashion, entertainment, and sporting aspiration.
With a strong culture of inclusivity underpinned by diversity, The Sharks is the most transformed sporting team in South Africa and have stood at the forefront of creating opportunities since the franchise was established in 1995 and are driven by innovation, community and integrity.
Black and white forms part of the brand identity and the brand has reached significant milestones over a number of years. This brand is more than 80 minutes of rugby on a Saturday afternoon, promoting hero status for players and role models for the youth, it is an entertainment brand with a strong social focus and global strategy. The Sharks want to use the brand to inspire a generation and create a lasting legacy that is focussed on a winning mindset.
Available to buy online and in-store at our Official Retail Partner Intersports Elverys.
CONNACHT JUNIOR CUP
This Monday, 6th April will mark Tuam RFC's first Junior Cup Final since 1978 when they lost by just 3 points to Creggs RFC. Now, in 2026, they once again find themselves facing Creggs in the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup Final.
Last year, Creggs RFC won their first Bank of Ireland Junior Cup trophy in 32 years when they overcame a strong Dunmore RFC side, so both Creggs and Tuam understand the gravity of taking home the coveted Junior Cup trophy.
But, to look ahead to Monday's Final, we must take a moment to look back to the past - specifically 1978. Over at Glenina, Galwegians a Junior Cup Final took place between Tuam RFC and Creggs RFC - two sides who had never won the Junior Cup before.
With Captain Sean Carter at the helm for Tuam they were hoping for their first ever Junior Cup win in the club's history. Tuam went 6-0 up thanks to a Michael Grogan penalty and a Frank Canavan drop-goal. However, Creggs' Peadar Brandon replied with a 24th minute penalty to make the score 6-3.
In the second half, lead by captain Declan Brandon, Creggs were the better team and broke Tuam hearts four minutes into injury time when Creggs' Scrum Half Frank Brandon got over for a try which Peadar Brandon converted, meaning it was the Creggs side that boasted their first ever Junior Cup title with a 9-6 win after a brilliant comeback, despite Tuam's steady defensive line.
Now, 48 years later, the two clubs will once again face off in the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup final. Both sides will be rearing to go in the match on Monday and will be looking to honour the historic occasion with a win.
Not only is there history in the competition between these two sides but it is also a family affair where Creggs' Captain this coming Monday, James Brandon will be coming up against his second cousin, Seán Brandon who is Scrum Half for Tuam.
For those who were trailblazers and represented the two sides in 1978, they will be in the stands of Dexcom Stadium watching on with pride at how far both of these sides and rugby in Connacht have come.
Sure to be an incredible final, the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup Final is on Monday, 6th April at 2:30 PM in Dexcom Stadium.
Year 1
Aaron O’Brien – Back Row
Albert Lindner – Scrum-Half
Diarmaid O’Connell – Back Row
Conor O’Shaughnessy – Out-Half
Bobby Power – Back Row
Daniel Ryan – Back Three
David Walsh – Lock/Back Row
Seán Walsh – Centre
Mikey Yarr - Hooker
Rourke O'Sullivan - Centre
Year 2
Billy Bohan – Loosehead Prop
Tomás Farthing – Scrum-Half
Max Flynn – Back Row
Éanna McCarthy – Back Row
Year 3
Fiachna Barrett – Tighthead Prop
Seán Naughton – Out-Half
James Nicholson – Back Three
Matthew Victory - Hooker
Academy Manager
Eric Elwood
Provincial Talent Coach
Mervyn Murphy
Provincial Talent Coach
Brett Wilkinson
Provincial Talent Coach
Larissa Muldoon
Elite Player Development Officer
Andrew Browne
Elite Player Development Officer
Morgan Codyre
Head of Athletic Development
Andrew Murphy
Athletic Development Coach
James O'Sullivan
Athletic Development Coach
Ann Caffrey
Physiotherapist
Joseph Corduff
Performance Nutritionist
Niall Brady
Performance Analyst
Alan Doonan
RPI Player Development Manager
Ronan Loughney
Regulations and the rules and regulations of Connacht Rugby Stadium Limited, Connacht Rugby, IRFU, United Rugby Championship, European Professional Club Rugby in respect of the relevant match and all other fixtures and / or events. The Ground Regulations incorporate Connacht Rugby’s Customer Charter. Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the Ground Regulations.
"Ground" refers to Dexcom Stadium and all locations owned, occupied, licenced or utilised by Connacht Rugby Stadium Limited and Connacht Rugby.
"Event" means any event taking place at the Ground.
- No guarantees can be given by Connacht Rugby that an Event will take place at a particular time or on a particular date and Connacht Rugby reserves the right to reschedule the Event without notice and without any liability whatsoever.
- In the event of the postponement or abandonment of the Event, refunds (if any) should be claimed in accordance with the relevant ticket terms and conditions. Connacht Rugby will have no other liability whatsoever, including (but not limited to) any indirect or consequential loss or damage, such as (but not limited to) loss of enjoyment or travel costs.
- Permission to enter or to remain within the Ground (notwithstanding possession of any ticket) is at the absolute discretion of Connacht Rugby, any Garda officer or authorised steward.
- On no account will admission to any Event be granted to any person
- not in possession of a valid ticket;
- who is the subject of a current Barring Order. - Children under the age of 14 are admitted to the Ground provided they are accompanied by an adult who shall be 18 years or over and will control and supervise those children at all times.
- All persons seeking entrance to the Ground acknowledge Connacht Rugby's right to search any person whether outside or inside the Ground and to refuse entry to or remove from the Ground any person refusing to submit to such a search.
- Connacht Rugby excludes to the maximum extent permitted by law any liability for loss, injury or damage to persons/property in or around the Ground.
- Supervisors of groups are responsible and accountable for all members of the group they accompany.
- The entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful authority or excuse.
- All persons entering the Ground may only occupy the seat or area allocated to them by their ticket and must not move from any one part of the Ground to another without the express permission or instruction of any steward, officer of Connacht Rugby and/or any Garda officer.
- The obstruction of gangways, access ways, exits and entrances, stairways and like places is strictly forbidden. Nobody entering the Ground shall be permitted to climb any structures within the Ground.
- Nobody may stand in any seating area whilst play is in progress. Persistent standing in seated areas whilst play is in progress is strictly forbidden and may result in ejection from the Ground.
- The following articles must not be brought within the Ground; knives, fireworks, smoke canisters, air-horns, flares, weapons, dangerous or hazardous items, laser devices, bottles, glass vessels, cans, poles and any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety. Any person in possession of such items will be removed or refused entry to the Ground
The use of threatening behaviour, foul or abusive language is strictly forbidden and will result in the person being removed from the Ground. Connacht Rugby may impose a ban from the Ground as a result. - Any form of abuse or harassment, such as but not limited to racial, homophobic or discriminatory abuse will result in the person being removed from the Ground and the incident reported to the Garda Síochána. Connacht Rugby may impose a ban from the Ground as a result.
- Spectators are not permitted to bring alcohol into the Ground. Persons who are, or appear to be, under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be removed or refused entry
- Vuvuzelas and similar items are not permitted within the Ground and any person in possession of such an article may be refused entry or removed from the Ground
Under no circumstances is it permitted to throw any object onto the pitch. Unauthorised persons are not permitted to enter onto the field of play and shall be removed from the Ground. - Smoking or vaping in No-Smoking areas is strictly forbidden.
- Any individual who has entered any part of the Ground designated for the use of any group of supporters to which they do not belong may be ejected from the Ground either for the purposes of their own safety or for any other reason.
- No person, other than a person who holds an appropriate licence, may bring into the Ground or use within the Ground any equipment which is capable of recording or transmitting (by digital or other means) any audio, visual or audio-visual material or any information or data in relation to the Event or the Ground. Copyright in any unauthorised recording or transmission is assigned (by way of present assignment of future copyright pursuant of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000) to Connacht Rugby.
- By entering the Ground, all persons acknowledge that photographic images and/or video recordings and/or stills taken from those video recordings may be taken of them and may also be used by Connacht Rugby for marketing or promotional purposes. Entry to the Ground is confirmation that all persons have consented to such use of their image
Save for official merchandise and/or other sport related clothing worn in good faith, visitors shall not bring into, use or display within the Ground any sponsorship, promotional or marketing materials. - No goods (including literature) of any nature may be offered either free or for sale by any person within the Ground without the express written permission of Connacht Rugby.
- Tickets are not transferable and may not be offered for sale without the prior written permission of Connacht Rugby. Any tickets offered for sale may be confiscated by any steward, officer of Connacht Rugby or any Garda officer.
- CCTV cameras are in use around and in the Ground and Connacht Rugby may itself use, or pass to the Gardaí or any Event organiser or other relevant authority, any recordings for use in any proceedings.
- At all times whilst present in the Ground, persons must comply with any and all instructions of any steward or officer of Connacht Rugby and/or any Garda officer. Failure to comply with any instruction or direction may lead to refusal of entry to or immediate removal from the Ground.
- Connacht Rugby reserves absolutely the right to remove from the Ground any person failing to comply with any of the Ground Regulations or whose presence within the Ground is, or could, reasonably be construed as constituting a source of danger, nuisance or annoyance to any other person. This could lead to further action including, but not limited to, a ban from the Ground or proceedings being taken.
- Entry to the Ground shall constitute acceptance of the Ground Regulations.
- Connacht Rugby reserves the right to make changes to any of the Ground Regulations in its sole discretion. Any such changes will be notified to the public through Connacht Rugby’s website or by announcement or display at Dexcom Stadium.
