2014–15 Connacht Rugby season

2014–15 Connacht Rugby season
Ground(s) Galway Sportsgrounds
(Capacity: 7,800)
Coach(es) Pat Lam
Captain(s) John Muldoon
Most appearances George Naoupu (28)
Top scorer Jack Carty (119)
Most tries Matt Healy (9)
Pro12
Challenge Cup		 7th
Quarter-finals
1st kit
2nd kit
← 2013–14 2015–16 →

The 2014–15 season was Irish provincial rugby union side Connacht Rugby's fourteenth season competing in the Pro12, and the team's nineteenth season as a professional side. It was also Pat Lam's second season in charge of the side.

As well as playing in the Pro12, Connacht competed in the newly established Rugby Challenge Cup, having played in the now-defunct Heineken Cup the previous season. The second tier side, the Connacht Eagles, competed in the 2014–15 British and Irish Cup.

Season

Background

The 2014–15 season saw the Heineken Cup replaced by the 20 team Rugby Champions Cup and the creation of this competition meant the Pro12 standings would have a greater impact on European qualification. Under the previous format, the Pro12 provided a minimum of ten teams, with Scotland and Italy providing two teams each, and Ireland and Wales both providing three.

The new system saw one place now being reserved for the highest finishing Pro12 team from each of four participating countries, along with three other qualifiers based solely on league position, for a total of seven teams. The other teams were to be entered in the new second tier competition, the Rugby Challenge Cup. This meant Connacht were no longer required to finish ahead of another Irish province or rely on an Irish victory in a European tournament to qualify for the top tier of European rugby.

The final tournament spot in the 2015–16 Rugby Champions Cup was decided by a playoff involving the Pro12's highest finishing team that is not already qualified, along with the seventh highest finishing clubs from France's Top 14 and the English Premiership.[1]

On the player front, Connacht entered the season with a new captain following the forced retirement of Craig Clarke due to persistent concussions.[2] They will also be without the playing services of former captain and centurion Gavin Duffy, whose contract was not renewed the previous season. It was later announced that he was taking up a role with the province's commercial team.[3]

Due to their 10th-place finish in the 2013–14 Pro12, Connacht were entered into the 2014–15 Rugby Challenge Cup, which replaced the European Challenge Cup, a competition Connacht hadn't competed in since the 2010–11 season. The draw for the Challenge Cup pool stages took place on 10 June 2014, with Connacht named in the same group as Exeter Chiefs, Bayonne and La Rochelle.[4]

September

Connacht opened the season with victories at home against Newport Gwent Dragons and away to Edinburgh.[5][6] The team then beat provincial rivals Leinster at home, the 10–9 win giving Connacht their first inter-provincial victory since beating Leinster in the same fixture in the 2012–13 season.[7] Connacht experienced their first defeat of the season in the next round, losing to Glasgow Warriors in their final game of the month.[8][9]

October

Following their opening defeat of the season to Glasgow, Connacht opened the month of October with a draw at home to Cardiff Blues the following week,[10] but were able to return to winning ways before the first break for European matches, beating Benetton Treviso 6–9 in Italy.[11] Connacht opened their 2014–15 Challenge Cup campaign at the Sportsgrounds on 18 October with a 48–12 bonus point victory over Top 14 side La Rochelle.[12] The following week, however, saw the province beaten 33–13 away to Exeter Chiefs.[13] Connacht's first game after the European break saw them beaten 26–11 in Wales by the Ospreys on Halloween night.[14]

November

A break in the league for the November internationals meant that Connacht didn't play a competitive match in the month until 21 November. When they returned to action, Connacht picked up a comfortable bonus point victory over Zebre at home, posting a final score of 43–3.[15] The team followed this with a 14–8 win against 6th place rivals Scarlets at the Sportsgrounds to keep their unbeaten home record intact.[16]

December

Connacht opened the month of December with a crucial double-header against Bayonne in the Challenge Cup, and won the first of these games comfortably, picking up a bonus point in a 42–19 victory to narrow the gap to Exeter Chiefs.[17] Connacht named an entirely new team for the return leg, and despite being 11 points down in the second half, the team fought back to win 27–29, with academy scrum-half Caolin Blade scoring both tries.[18]

After the two European matches, Connacht finished 2015 with two provincial derbies in a row over the Christmas period. Connacht lost the first of these matches against Leinster in Dublin.[19] This loss was followed by a narrow away defeat to Ulster on St. Stephen's Day in the last match of the calendar year.[20]

January

On New Year's Day, Connacht picked up where they had left off in 2014, with another league match against Irish opposition. In the final derby of this period, Connacht managed to pick up a win, beating Munster 24–16.[21] Following this high however, Connacht were beaten at home for the first time in the season, losing 13–16 to Edinburgh.[22] The poor form was carried into Europe as Connacht lost another home match in quick succession, being beaten 24–33 by the Exeter Chiefs.[23] The team was able to recover the following week to beat La Rochelle and secure a place in the knock-out stage of the competition.[24]

February

There were no games in the opening weekend of the month as the 2015 Six Nations Championship was taking place. On 15 February Connacht returned to league action, suffering a 32–14 loss away to Scarlets.[25] The following week, Connacht were away to another Welsh side, this time facing Newport Gwent Dragons, and recovered from the previous week's disappointment to emerge 25–30 winners.[26]

March

Connacht opened the month of March with bonus point victory over Benetton Treviso, crushing the Italians 53–5.[27] On 6 March, Connacht faced Cardiff Blues away ahead of a tough series of matches against teams in the play-off places, making the game important in the qualification for the 2015–16 Rugby Champions Cup. Connacht were beaten 18–17 by a late try, after the referee controversially gave a penalty against Connacht with the game in overtime after Cardiff appeared to have knocked the ball on. In the aftermath of the game, Pat Lam criticised touch judge Leighton Hodges and lodged a complaint with the league.[28] Lam was later charged with misconduct for his comments.[29] In spite of Lam's comments and the misconduct charge, Hodges refereed Connacht's next match, away to Munster in Thomond Park, where Connacht were beaten 42–20.[30]

April

The team's first match in April was a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Gloucester in Kingsholm Stadium. After going in 14–0 down, Connacht held the hosts scoreless in the second half and pulled themselves back into the match with a penalty try. They couldn't make up the deficit however, and Connacht were knocked out of the Cup by 14–7.[31]

In their return to the Pro12, Connacht suffered their second home league defeat of the season, this time to Ulster. After another poor first half performance, Connacht went in 17–0 down, only to earn a losing bonus with a final score of 20–27.[32] Another home defeat followed, with the team shipping five tries against Glasgow Warriors in a 13–31 defeat, leaving the team in danger of finishing behind Edinburgh in 8th place and missing not only automatic qualification for the Champions Cup, but also the chance at a play-off for the final spot.[33]

May

Connacht were able to start the month with their first win since 1 March, beating Zebre 10–40 in Italy, to earn a try bonus and leave themselves with a chance of reaching the Champions Cup. In the final round of the regular season, on 16 May, Connacht faced Ospreys, while their rivals for the Champions Cup places, Scarlets and Edinburgh, faced Benetton Treviso and Leinster respectively. Connacht picked up a losing bonus, while Scarlets won and Edinburgh were beaten by 13, leaving Connacht in 7th place, their highest finish in a regular league season, but just short of qualification to the Champions Cup.

Connacht proceeded to a play-off involving Bordeaux Bègles, the 7th placed team in the 2014–15 Top 14 season, and Gloucester the 2014–15 Rugby Challenge Cup winners. Connacht played Gloucester away on 24 May for the chance to face Bordeaux. Connacht were leading 18–25 in the final minutes of the game, but a controversial penalty decision from Romain Poite gave Gloucester a try-scoring opportunity and sent the match to extra time, after which Gloucester emerged 40–32 victors.[34]

Coaching and Management Team

Role Name Nationality
Head Coach Pat Lam[35]  Samoa
Assistant Coach Dan McFarland[35]  England
Backs/Kicking Coach Andre Bell[36]  New Zealand
Skills Coach Dave Ellis[35]  New Zealand
Chief Executive Willie Ruane[37]  Ireland
Team Manager Tim Allnut[35]  New Zealand
Academy Manager/
Eagles Head Coach		 Nigel Carolan[35]  Ireland
Resource Coach(es) Cory Browne[35]
Jimmy Duffy[35]		  New Zealand
 Ireland
Head of Fitness Paul Bunce[38]  New Zealand
Performance Analyst Conor McPhillips[35]  Ireland
Head Physio Gavin Malouf[35]  Australia

Players

Senior Playing Squad

[39] Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

Player Position Union
Jason Harris-Wright Hooker Ireland Ireland
David Heffernan Hooker Ireland Ireland
Seán Henry Hooker Ireland Ireland
Tom McCartney Hooker New Zealand New Zealand
Rodney Ah You Prop Ireland Ireland
Finlay Bealham Prop Ireland Ireland
Denis Buckley Prop Ireland Ireland
JP Cooney Prop Ireland Ireland
Ronan Loughney Prop Ireland Ireland
Nathan White* Prop New Zealand New Zealand
Mick Kearney Lock Ireland Ireland
Aly Muldowney* Lock England England
Danny Qualter Lock Ireland Ireland
Quinn Roux Lock South Africa South Africa
Michael Swift* Lock England England
Andrew Browne Flanker Ireland Ireland
Mata Fafita* Flanker Tonga Tonga
Willie Faloon Flanker Ireland Ireland
Jake Heenan Flanker New Zealand New Zealand
John Muldoon (c) Flanker Ireland Ireland
Eoin McKeon Number 8 Ireland Ireland
George Naoupu Number 8 New Zealand New Zealand
Player Position Union
John Cooney Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Kieran Marmion Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Ian Porter Scrum-half Ireland Ireland
Jack Carty Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Miah Nikora* Fly-half New Zealand New Zealand
Craig Ronaldson Fly-half Ireland Ireland
Bundee Aki Centre New Zealand New Zealand
Conor Finn Centre Ireland Ireland
Robbie Henshaw Centre Ireland Ireland
Dave McSharry Centre Ireland Ireland
Shane O'Leary* Centre Canada Canada
Niyi Adeolokun* Wing Nigeria Nigeria
Fionn Carr Wing Ireland Ireland
Matt Healy Wing Ireland Ireland
Tiernan O'Halloran Wing Ireland Ireland
Danie Poolman Wing South Africa South Africa
Shane Layden Fullback Ireland Ireland
Darragh Leader Fullback Ireland Ireland
Mils Muliaina Fullback New Zealand New Zealand

Academy Squad

[40] Note: Flags indicate national union as has been defined under WR eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-WR nationality.

Player Position Union
Shane Delahunt Hooker Ireland Ireland year 1
Jack Dineen Hooker Ireland Ireland year 1
Jamie Dever Prop Ireland Ireland year 2
Saba Meunargia Prop Ireland Ireland year 2
Jacob Walshe Prop Ireland Ireland year 2
Ultan Dillane Lock Ireland Ireland year 3
Seán O'Brien Lock Ireland Ireland year 2
James Connolly Flanker Ireland Ireland year 2
Marc Kelly Flanker Ireland Ireland year 1
Rory Moloney Flanker Ireland Ireland year 2
Eoghan Masterson Number 8 Scotland Scotland year 2
Player Position Union
Caolin Blade Scrum-half Ireland Ireland year 2
Conor McKeon Outside-half Ireland Ireland year 1
Rory Parata Centre Ireland Ireland year 2
Peter Robb Centre Ireland Ireland year 1
Ciaran Gaffney Wing Ireland Ireland year 1
David Panter Fullback England England year 2

Preseason Transfers

For player movement in the Pro12 leading up to the 2014–15 season, see List of 2014–15 Pro12 transfers.

Playing Kit

Connacht's European kit for the season.

Connacht's official kit supplier for the season was Australian manufacturer BLK sport, who announced a comprehensive four-year agreement to supply the full range of apparel for all of Connacht Rugby’s representative teams and support staff in 2013.[61]

Connacht's main shirt sponsors were Irish sporting retailer Lifestyle Sports. Lifestyle Sports signed a four season deal with the province, to will see their logo feature on the jersey until the end of the 2017–18 season, taking over from the previous season's sponsors Mazda Ireland.[62]

Results

Pro12

Main article: 2014–15 Pro12
Pro12 Table
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference Tries For Tries Against Try Bonus Losing Bonus Points
1 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (CH) 22 16 1 5 540 360 +180 63 33 9 0 75
2 Ireland Munster (RU) 22 15 2 5 581 367 +214 68 31 8 3 75
3 Wales Ospreys (SF) 22 16 1 5 546 358 +188 53 30 6 2 74
4 Ireland Ulster (SF) 22 14 2 6 524 372 +152 59 34 6 3 69
5 Ireland Leinster 22 11 3 8 483 375 +108 54 39 8 4 62
6 Wales Scarlets 22 11 3 8 452 388 +64 43 39 4 3 57
7 Ireland Connacht 22 10 1 11 447 419 +28 49 48 3 5 50
8 Scotland Edinburgh 22 10 1 11 399 419 −20 41 48 3 3 48
9 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons 22 8 0 14 393 484 −91 38 55 4 6 42
10 Wales Cardiff Blues 22 7 1 14 430 545 −115 46 57 3 2 35
11 Italy Benetton Treviso 22 3 1 18 306 641 −335 34 81 2 3 19
12 Italy Zebre 22 3 0 19 266 639 −373 27 80 0 3 15

If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[63]

  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest number of red cards received;
    7.
  7. the fewest number of yellow cards received.

Green background (rows 1 to 4) are play-off places, and earn a place in the 2015–16 European Rugby Champions Cup.
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places, that earn a place in the European Rugby Champions Cup. The top team from each country will qualify.
Yellow background indicates the team that advances to a play-off semi-final against Aviva Premiership side Gloucester, who qualified for the play-off as the 2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup winners.[64]
Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2015–16 European Rugby Challenge Cup.

    6 September 2014
    17:00
    Connacht Ireland 16–11 Wales Newport Gwent Dragons (1 BP)
    Try: E. McKeon 9' m
    Poolman 54' m
    Pen: Leader (2/3) 15', 51'
    		 Report Try: Cudd 23' m
    Pen: Tovey (2/3) 30', 75'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 4,123
    Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
    12 September 2014
    19:35
    (1 BP) Edinburgh Scotland 13–14 Ireland Connacht
    Try: du Preez 40' c
    Con: Heathcote (1/1)
    Pen: Heathcote (2/3) 3', 9'
    		 Report Try: Faloon 75' m
    Pen: Leader (3/5) 23', 37', 55'
    Murrayfield Stadium
    Attendance: 3,777
    Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU)
    19 September 2014
    19:35
    Connacht Ireland 10–9 Ireland Leinster (1 BP)
    Try: Marmion 54' c
    Con: Carty (1/1)
    Pen: Carty (1/2) 21'
    		 Report Pen: Madigan (3/4) 2', 11', 15'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,917
    Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)[65]
    26 September 2014
    19:35
    (1 BP) Glasgow Warriors Scotland 39–21 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Hogg (2) 19' c, 46' m
    Pyrgos 36' c
    Van der Merwe 61' c
    Bennett 74' c
    Con: Weir (4/5)
    Pen: Weir (2/2) 30', 71'
    		 Report Try: McSharry 23' c
    Leader 56' c
    penalty try 68' c
    Con: Porter (3/3)
    Scotstoun Stadium
    Attendance: 5,821
    Referee: Claudio Blessano (FIR)
    3 October 2014
    19:35
    Connacht Ireland 24–24 Wales Cardiff Blues
    Try: Henshaw 31' c
    Marmion 42' c
    White 46' c
    Con: Ronaldson (3/3)
    Pen: Ronaldson (1/1) 6'
    		 Report Try: A. Thomas 19' c
    Cook 69' c
    Andrews 78' c
    Con: Patchell (3/3)
    Pen: Patchell (1/1) 36'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,247
    Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU)
    10 October 2014
    20:00
    (1 BP) Benetton Treviso Italy 6–9 Ireland Connacht
    Pen: Hayward (2/3) 6', 38'
    		 Report Pen: Ronaldson (3/5) 17', 30', 67'
    Stadio Comunale di Monigo
    Attendance: 3,025
    Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU)
    31 October 2014
    19:35
    Ospreys Wales 26–11 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Hassler 48' c
    Roberts 61' c
    Con: Davies (2/2)
    Pen: Davies (4/6) 4', 51', 56', 66'
    		 Report Try: E. McKeon 77' m
    Pen: Ronaldson (2/5) 36', 46'
    Liberty Stadium
    Attendance: 6,010
    Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
    21 November 2014
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 43–3 Italy Zebre
    Try: Poolman 27' m
    Kearney 46' c
    penalty try 61' c
    Jo. Cooney 65' m
    Carty 68' c
    Con: Porter (1/2)
    Nikora (1/1)
    Carty (1/2)
    Pen: Porter (4/6) 13', 19', 34', 38'
    		 Report Pen: Odiete (1/2) 17'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,486
    Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
    29 November 2014
    19:30
    Connacht Ireland 14–8 Wales Scarlets (1 BP)
    Try: Healy 48' m
    Pen: Carty (3/4) 19', 47', 63'
    		 Report Try: Robinson 3' m
    Pen: S. Shingler (1/2) 1'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,631
    Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
    19 December 2014
    19:35
    Leinster Ireland 21–11 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Jennings 12' m
    Kirchner 78' c
    Con: Gopperth (1/2)
    Pen: Gopperth (3/3) 16', 41', 49'
    		 Report Try: Naoupu 73' m
    Pen: Carty (2/3) 31', 40'
    RDS Arena
    Attendance: 16,007
    Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
    26 December 2014
    18:45
    Ulster Ireland 13–10 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Gilroy 19' c
    Con: Jackson (1/1)
    Pen: Jackson (2/4) 14', 62'
    		 Report Try: Muldowney 66' c
    Con: Carty (1/1)
    Pen: Carty (1/1) 4'
    Kingspan Stadium
    Attendance: 17,107
    Referee: John Lacey (IRFU)
    1 January 2015
    17:00
    Connacht Ireland 24–16 Ireland Munster
    Try: Marmion 29' c
    Ronaldson 42' c
    Muldowney 60' c
    Con: Ronaldson (1/1)
    Leader (2/2)
    Pen: Nikora (1/1) 55'
    		 Report Try: P. O'Mahony 10' c
    Con: Keatley (1/1)
    Pen: Keatley (3/3) 7', 15', 38'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 7,745
    Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU)
    9 January 2015
    19:35
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 13–16 Scotland Edinburgh
    Try: penalty try 37' c
    Con: Nikora (1/1)
    Pen: Nikora (2/3) 23', 40'
    		 Report Try: Denton 16' c
    Con: Hidalgo-Clyne (1/1)
    Pen: Hidalgo-Clyne (3/4) 44', 49', 70'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,267
    Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
    15 February 2015
    12:45
    (1 BP) Scarlets Wales 32–14 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Tagicakibau 23' m
    Robinson 27' c
    J. Williams 33' c
    J. Davies 50' c
    Con: S. Shingler (3/4)
    Pen: S. Shingler (2/2) 13', 17'
    		 Report Try: Adeolokun 72' m
    Pen: Carty (3/3) 4', 39', 47'
    Parc y Scarlets
    Attendance: 5,000
    Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
    22 February 2015
    16:00
    (1 BP) Newport Gwent Dragons Wales 25–30 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Amos (2) 32' m, 80' c
    Dixon 65' c
    Con: Prydie (2/3)
    Pen: Prydie (2/2) 4', 39'
    		 Report Try: Ronaldson 7' c
    Masterson 22' c
    Kearney 75' c
    Con: Carty (2/2)
    Leader (1/1)
    Pen: Carty (1/3) 11'
    Leader (2/2) 57', 60'
    Rodney Parade
    Attendance: 4,180
    Referee: Lloyd Linton (SRU)
    1 March 2015
    17:15
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 53–5 Italy Benetton Treviso
    Try: O'Halloran 5' c
    Heenan 45' c
    Healy (2) 51' c, 72' c
    Buckley 54' c
    Muldowney 67' m
    Poolman 79' c
    Con: Ronaldson (6/7)
    Pen: Ronaldson (2/2) 14', 31'
    		 Report Try: Christie 34' m
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 3,880
    Referee: Andrew McMenemy (SRU)
    6 March 2015
    19:35
    Cardiff Blues Wales 18–17 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Tuculet (2) 56' m, 80' c
    Con: Patchell (1/2)
    Pen: Patchell (2/2) 24', 64'
    		 Report Try: Heenan 5' c
    Muldowney 70' c
    Con: Ronaldson (2/2)
    Pen: Ronaldson (1/1) 22'
    Cardiff Arms Park
    Attendance: 5,624
    Referee: Lloyd Linton (SRU)
    28 March 2015
    17:15
    (1 BP) Munster Ireland 42–20 Ireland Connacht
    Try: B. Holland 12' c
    Casey 55' c
    Zebo 63' c
    Smith 72' c
    Hurley 74' c
    Earls 79' c
    Con: Keatley (3/3)
    Hanrahan (3/3)
    		 Report Try: Nikora 68' c
    O'Leary 78' c
    Con: Nikora (2/2)
    Pen: Carty (2/3) 1', 45'
    Thomond Park
    Attendance: 18,762
    Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU)
    11 April 2015
    14:40
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 20–27 Ireland Ulster (1 BP)
    Try: Healy 44' c
    O'Halloran 70' c
    Con: Nikora (1/1)
    Carty (1/1)
    Pen: Nikora (1/1) 51'
    Carty (1/1) 62'
    		 Report Try: Ludik 4' m
    Bowe (2) 31' m, 56' m
    Gilroy 34' c
    Best 64' m
    Con: Pienaar (1/5)
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,921
    Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)
    25 April 2015
    13:05
    Connacht Ireland 13–31 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (1 BP)
    Try: Muldowney 53' c
    Con: Carty (1/1)
    Pen: Carty (2/5) 6', 16'
    		 Report Try: Matawalu (2) 24' m, 38' c
    Hogg 35' c
    Ashe 67' c
    Seymour 73' m
    Con: Russell (3/5)
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 4,430
    Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)
    9 May 2015
    18:30
    Zebre Italy 10–40 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Leonard 26' c
    Con: Orquera (1/1)
    Pen: Orquera (1/1) 34'
    		 Report Try: Jo. Cooney (2) 11' c, 35' c
    Healy 29' c
    Masterson 54' m
    O'Halloran 70' c
    O'Leary 73' c
    Con: Carty (3/4)
    C. McKeon (2/2)
    Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
    Attendance: 2,680
    Referee: Ian Davies (WRU)
    16 May 2015
    15:00
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 20–24 Wales Ospreys
    Try: Masterson 53' c
    Buckley 80' c
    Con: Carty (2/2)
    Pen: Carty (2/2) 41', 49'
    		 Report Try: Biggar 15' c
    John 25' c
    Webb 27' c
    Con: Biggar (3/3)
    Pen: Biggar (1/1) 5'
    Galway Sportsgrounds
    Attendance: 5,226
    Referee: Marius Mitrea (FIR)

    Rugby Challenge Cup

    Pool 2

    Team
    		 P W D L PF PA Diff TF TA TB LB Pts
    England Exeter Chiefs (2) 6 5 0 1 212 97 +115 26 11 4 1 25
    Ireland Connacht (8) 6 4 0 2 186 144 +42 23 16 4 0 20
    France Bayonne 6 2 0 4 106 162 –59 10 18 0 1 9
    France La Rochelle 6 1 0 5 84 182 −98 10 24 0 0 4
    18 October 2014
    17:00
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 48–12 France La Rochelle
    Try: Carty 5' c
    Marmion 9' m
    Henshaw (2) 31' c, 45' c
    Loughney 35' c
    Poolman 52' m
    Healy 64' c
    Con: Ronaldson (4/5) 5', 32', 37', 46'
    Porter (1/2) 65'
    Pen: Ronaldson (1/1) 15'
    		 Report Try: Cler 42' m
    Bouldoire 69' c
    Con: Le Bail (1/2) 70'
    Galway Sportsgrounds, Galway
    Attendance: 4,735
    Referee: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
    25 October 2014
    15:00
    (1 BP) Exeter Chiefs England 33–13 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Chudley 9' c
    Slade 20' m
    Welch 40' c
    Ewers 46' c
    White 56' c
    Con: Steenson (4/5) 9', 40', 47', 57'
    		 Report Try: Carr 73' c
    Con: Ronaldson (1/1) 74'
    Pen: Ronaldson (2/2) 5', 37'
    Sandy Park, Exeter
    Attendance: 8,484
    Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
    6 December 2014
    17:00
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 42–19 France Bayonne
    Try: Poolman (2) 19' c, 39' m
    Aki 60' c
    McSharry 69' c
    Faloon 72' c
    Con: Carty (3/4) 20', 61', 70'
    Ronaldson (1/1) 73'
    Pen: Carty (3/4) 11', 53', 59'
    		 Report Try: Lapeyrade 45' c
    Con: Otazo (1/1) 46'
    Pen: Bustos Moyano (4/5) 5', 14', 16', 29'
    Galway Sportsgrounds, Galway
    Attendance: 4,425
    Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
    13 December 2014
    20:45
    Bayonne France 27–29 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Vaka 3' c
    Ugalde 17' c
    Sayerse 41' c
    Con: Loustalot (3/3) 3', 18', 42'
    Pen: Loustalot (2/2) 34', 50'
    		 Report Try: Blade (2) 27' c, 77' c
    Con: Nikora (2/2) 28', 78'
    Pen: Nikora (5/6) 6', 30', 37', 57', 67'
    Stade Jean Dauger, Bayonne
    Attendance: 4,980
    Referee: Ian Davies (Wales)
    18 January 2015
    15:15
    (1 BP) Connacht Ireland 24–33 England Exeter Chiefs
    Try: Healy (2) 5' m, 74' c
    Faloon 23' m
    Poolman 38' c
    Con: Carty (2/4) 39', 75'
    		 Report Try: Penalty Try 19' c
    Mumm 45' c
    Armand 62' c
    Con: Slade (3/3) 20', 46', 63'
    Pen: Slade (4/5) 35', 43', 57', 70'
    Galway Sportsgrounds, Galway
    Attendance: 5,088
    Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)
    24 January 2015
    18:30
    La Rochelle France 20–30 Ireland Connacht (1 BP)
    Try: Penalty try 32' c,
    Meron 38' c
    Con: Barraque (2/2) 33', 39'
    Pen: Barraque (2/2) 9', 23'
    		 Report Try: Marmion 2' m
    McKeon 46' m
    Adeolokun 74' c
    Healy 76' c
    Con: Carty (2/4) 75', 78'
    Pen: Carty (2/3) 16', 37'
    Stade Marcel-Deflandre, La Rochelle
    Attendance: 10,068
    Referee: Neil Paterson (Scotland)

    Quarter-finals

    3 April 2015
    19:45
    Gloucester England 14–7 Ireland Connacht
    Try: Sharples 20' c
    Meakes 30' c
    Con: Laidlaw (2/2) 21', 31'
    		 Report Try: Penalty try 65' c
    Con: Carty (1/1) 66'
    Kingsholm Stadium
    Attendance: 13,236
    Referee: Mathieu Raynal (FFR)

    Champions Cup play-offs

    Match 1

    24 May 2015
    15:30 GMT
    Gloucester England 40−32
    (a.e.t.)     		Ireland Connacht
    Try: Moriarty 1' c
    Sharples 26' m
    Meakes 80' c
    Dawidiuk 95' m
    May 98' c
    Con: Laidlaw (3/5) 1', 80', 98'
    Pen: Laidlaw (2/3) 19', 43'
    Hook (1/1) 92'
    		 Report Try: J. Cooney 8' c
    Carty 29' c
    Healy (2) 60' m, 92' c
    Con: Carty (3/4) 9', 30', 92'
    Pen: Carty (2/3) 7', 79'
    Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
    Attendance: 7,633
    Referee: Romain Poite (FFR)
    FB 15England Charlie Sharples  64'
    RW 14England Jonny May
    OC 13Australia Bill Meakes
    IC 12England Billy Twelvetrees (c)
    LW 11England Henry Purdy  50'
    FH 10Wales James Hook
    SH 9 Scotland Greig Laidlaw
    N8 8 England Ross Moriarty  71'  88'
    OF 7 Wales Dan Thomas  33'  44'  65'
    BF 6 England Jacob Rowan
    RL 5 England Tom Palmer
    LL 4 England Tom Savage
    TP 3 New Zealand John Afoa 33' to 43'  88'
    HK 2 Wales Richard Hibbard  59'
    LP 1 England Nick Wood  65'
    Replacements:
    HK 16England Darren Dawidiuk  59'
    PR 17England Yann Thomas  65'
    PR 18England Shaun Knight  33'  44'  88'
    LK 19England Elliott Stooke  71'
    FL 20England Lewis Ludlow  65'  88'
    SH 21England Dan Robson  64'
    FH 22England Billy Burns
    FB 23England Rob Cook  50'
    Coach:
    Ireland David Humphreys
    FB 15Ireland Tiernan O'Halloran  65'
    RW 14Ireland Fionn Carr  75'
    OC 13Ireland Robbie Henshaw
    IC 12New Zealand Bundee Aki
    LW 11Ireland Matt Healy
    FH 10Ireland Jack Carty
    SH 9 Ireland John Cooney  64'
    N8 8 Ireland Eoin McKeon  71'
    OF 7 Scotland Eoghan Masterson 55' to 65'  33'  44'
    BF 6 Ireland John Muldoon (c)
    RL 5 England Aly Muldowney
    LL 4 New Zealand George Naoupu  54'
    TP 3 Ireland Rodney Ah You  54'
    HK 2 New Zealand Tom McCartney  70'  79'  90'
    LP 1 Ireland Denis Buckley 33' to 43'
    Replacements:
    HK 16Ireland Dave Heffernan 94' to 100'  70' 79' to 90'
    PR 17Ireland JP Cooney  33'  44'
    PR 18Ireland Finlay Bealham  54'
    LK 19Ireland Andrew Browne  54'
    FL 20Ireland James Connolly  71'
    SH 21Ireland Ian Porter  64'
    FH 22New Zealand Miah Nikora  75'
    CE 23Canada Shane O'Leary  65'
    Coach:
    Samoa Pat Lam

    Awards and recognition

    At the end of the 2014–15 Pro12 season, an Awards evening was held in the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, with Connacht among those honoured both as a team and for individual performance.[66]

    Award Recipient
    Pro12 Fair Play award Connacht
    Pro12 Dream Team Denis Buckley
    Pro12 Dream Team Robbie Henshaw

    Connacht held their own awards ceremony in May, to acknowledge the services of individual players.[67]

    Award Recipient
    Players' Player of the Year Robbie Henshaw
    Fans' Player of the Year Robbie Henshaw
    Back of the Year Matt Healy
    Forward of the Year Denis Buckley
    Team Man of the Year Aly Muldowney
    Academy Player of the Year Eoghan Masterson
    Try of the Year Kieran Marmion, v Leinster, September 2014

    Connacht also had awards throughout the season for the Player of the Month, as voted by the team's supporters.[68][69][70][71][72][73]

    Month Award Winner
    September 2014 Denis Buckley
    October 2014 George Naoupu
    November 2014 Matt Healy
    December 2014 Tom McCartney
    January 2015 Matt Healy
    February 2015 Aly Muldowney
    March 2015 Eoghan Masterson
    April 2015 Rodney Ah You

    Notes

      References

      1. ↑ "European rugby dispute resolved with creation of the Champions Cup". Irish Independent. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
      2. ↑ "Connacht confirm Craig Clarke retirement after repeated concussions". The Score. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
      3. ↑ "Connacht re-sign Gavin Duffy… to work on their commercial team". The Score. 5 June 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
      4. ↑ EPCRugby.com - 2014/15 EPCR Pool Draws
      5. ↑ "Carty has last laugh as Connacht hold on to win". Pro12. 6 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
      6. ↑ "Connacht stun Edinburgh at the death". Pro12. 12 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
      7. ↑ "Connacht stun Leinster with second-half fightback". Pro12. 19 September 2015. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
      8. ↑ "Glasgow maintain 100 per cent record after win against Connacht". Pro12. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
      9. ↑ "Cardiff Blues snatch dramatic late draw at Connacht". Pro12. 3 October 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
      10. ↑ "Cardiff Blues snatch dramatic late draw at Connacht". Pro12. 3 October 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
      11. ↑ "Connacht creep to scrappy victory in Treviso". Pro12. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2015.
      12. ↑ "REPORT: Connacht flex their muscles opener". EPCRugby. 18 October 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
      13. ↑ "REPORT: Chiefs back on winning trail". EPCRugby. 25 October 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2015.
      14. ↑ "Ospreys march on with seventh straight win". Pro12. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
      15. ↑ "Connacht romp to bonus-point win over sorry Zebre". Pro12. 21 November 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
      16. ↑ "Healy helps Connacht remain unbeaten at home". Pro12. 29 November 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
      17. ↑ "REPORT: Connacht cruise to maximum points". EPCRugby. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      18. ↑ "Blade cuts deep as Connacht claim brilliant win away to Bayonne". The42. 13 December 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      19. ↑ "Kirchner's late try seals Leinster win over resilient Connacht". Pro12. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
      20. ↑ "Gilroy gets Ulster over the line against Connacht". Pro12. 26 December 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
      21. ↑ "Clinical Connacht deny Munster top spot". Pro12. 1 January 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
      22. ↑ "Hidalgo-Clyne's golden boot sees Edinburgh end Connacht's home run". Pro12. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      23. ↑ "REPORT: Chiefs claim quarter-final spot". EPCRugby. 18 January 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      24. ↑ "REPORT: Connacht fight back to reach last eight". EPCRugby. 24 January 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      25. ↑ "King rules supreme for stylish Scarlets". Pro12. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      26. ↑ "Landman sees red as Connacht snatch victory". Pro12. 22 February 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      27. ↑ "Ronaldson inspires Connacht to seven-try win". Pro12. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      28. ↑ "Pat Lam tears into last night's officials, gives greatest ever Pro12 interview in the process". The42. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      29. ↑ "Connacht rugby coach Pat Lam charged over comments about Welsh official Leighton Hodges". Wales Online. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      30. ↑ "Munster maintain charge with dominant Connacht victory". Pro12. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      31. ↑ "REPORT: Gloucester hang on to earn home semi". EPCRugby. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      32. ↑ "Bowe double sees Ulster victorious in derby thriller". Pro12. 11 April 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      33. ↑ "Matawalu double fires Warriors back to the top". Pro12. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      34. ↑ "Champions Cup play-off: Gloucester 40-32 Connacht". BBC Sport. 24 May 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      35. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Management Team". Connacht Rugby. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
      36. ↑ "Connacht sign New Zealander Andre Bell as backs and kicking coach". RTÉ Sport. 29 May 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
      37. ↑ "Connacht appoint Willie Ruane as new CEO". Irish Independent. 8 May 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
      38. ↑ "New Head Of Fitness And Increased Funding For Connacht". Irish Rugby. 19 May 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2014.
      39. ↑ http://www.thescore.ie/connacht-201415-transfer-niyi-adeolokun-1520053-Jun2014/
      40. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-08-12.
      41. ↑ Planet Rugby | Rugby Union Tournaments | RaboDirect PRO12 | Connacht add Blues front-row
      42. ↑ 8 Irish players who took advantage of the Six Nations window · The Score
      43. 1 2 3 Planet Rugby | Rugby Union Tournaments | RaboDirect PRO12 | New deals for Connacht youngsters
      44. 1 2 "Roux and Cooney join Connacht on loan deal from Leinster". The Score. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
      45. 1 2 "Connacht sign Ian Porter and Shane O'Leary". RTÉ Sport. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
      46. ↑ Carty and O’Halloran rewarded with new Connacht contracts
      47. ↑ "Q&A Session with Shane O’Leary | Ballina Killaloe Rugby Club". ballinakillaloerfc.com. Retrieved 15 June 2014.
      48. 1 2 "Connacht complete 2014/15 recruitment with signing of Niyi Adeolokun". The Score. 16 June 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
      49. ↑ "World Cup winning All Black seals move to Connacht". Irish Independent. 5 May 2014. Retrieved 5 May 2014.
      50. 1 2 "Parks leads Connacht outgoings". Irish Independent. 29 April 2014. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
      51. ↑ "'Devastated' Wilkinson forced to retire". Irish Independent. 26 March 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
      52. ↑ "Connacht confirm Craig Clarke retirement after repeated concussions". The Score. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
      53. ↑ "Bourgoin dévoile son effectif 2014–2015". Rugby Rama. 18 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
      54. ↑ "Refereeing Promotions For Former Players Murphy And Neville". Irish Rugby. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
      55. ↑ "'You'd almost wash the dishes 24 times to fill the day' – The initial struggle of a retired rugby player". The42. 13 January 2015. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
      56. ↑ "Former Connacht and Scotland outhalf Dan Parks retires after '11 great years as a pro'". The Score. 25 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
      57. ↑ "London Irish confirm the signing of Connacht's Eoin Griffin". Irish Times. 18 February 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
      58. ↑ "Galwegians Maintain Bonus Point-Winning Form". Irish Rugby. 22 September 2014. Retrieved 9 October 2015.
      59. ↑ "Connacht's Kyle Tonetti forced to retire". RTÉ Sport. 19 March 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
      60. ↑ "Former Connacht Rugby captain Gavin Duffy joins the Mayo panel". RTÉ Sport. 15 May 2014. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
      61. ↑ "Connacht strike new deal with Australian kit suppliers". Galway Advertiser. 20 June 2013.
      62. ↑ "New title sponsor announced for Connacht Rugby". Galway Advertiser. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
      63. ↑ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro12. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
      64. ↑ "Future of European Rugby resolved" (Press release). RFU. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
      65. ↑ "Another try-fest on the cards?". Rugby365. Sportsmedia365. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
      66. ↑ "Gilroy, Madigan And Connacht Win PRO12 Awards". Irish Rugby. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      67. ↑ "Robbie Henshaw can't stop winning Player of the Year awards". The42. 17 May 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
      68. ↑ "New boys vie for Connacht's Player of the Month award". Irish Independent. 9 January 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015. Dave McSharry won the award for November, George Naoupu was successful in October and prop Denis Buckley was voted the winner in September.
      69. ↑ "McCartney voted Player of the Month". Connacht Rugby. 16 January 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
      70. ↑ "Healy voted Player of the Month". Connacht Rugby. 25 February 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
      71. ↑ "Muldowney voted Player of the Month". Connacht Rugby. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
      72. ↑ "Masterson voted Player of the Month". Connacht Rugby. 22 April 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
      73. ↑ "Ah You Voted Connacht Player of the Month". Irish Rugby. 20 May 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
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