Connacht Rugby has been boosted this week with the confirmed news of Ciaran Frawley’s move west next season.
Frawley has penned a two-year deal at Dexcom after seven years with Leinster, during which time he played under Stuart Lancaster.
The hugely experienced 28-years-old, who plays outhalf, fullback and wing, says he “can’t wait” to link-up with his former coach.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to represent Connacht on and off the field from next season. On my visits to the province with Leinster I’ve always been struck by the passion of the supporters there, and the positive brand of rugby the team plays.
“Now with the HPC and redeveloped Dexcom Stadium, it’s a hugely exciting time to be joining the club. I can’t wait to link up with Stuart again, meet all my new teammates and the wider staff next summer, and help the club bring success to the province in the years ahead.”
Frawley’s experience will be a huge bonus for Connacht. Not only has he scored some 300 points in more than 100 appearances, he has five URC titles, played in three Champions Cup finals, and won nine caps for Ireland since making his senior debut in 2023 – the highlight of which was scoring two late drop goals to help secure a draw in the two-match series against South Africa.
Frawley says he loved his time in Leinster.
“I’m really appreciative for all the support from the fans, coaches and teammates over the last seven years. There’s still a lot of work to do and I’m looking forward to finishing the season strongly before the move to Galway in the summer.”
Understandably Lancaster believes Frawley will be a “big asset” for Connacht.
“Ciaran’s arrival next season is a real statement of intent by the club. I know him well from my time in Leinster, and I saw him grow from an academy prospect into a key member of the senior squad and play for Ireland also.
“He’s still only 28, so I firmly believe his best days are still ahead of him, and I’m delighted that the club has been able to secure a player of his calibre. He will be a big asset in the years ahead, and personally I am really excited to work with him again.”
Leinster next up
This weekend Connacht will be looking to inject some much-needed festive cheer into their BKT URC season when they travel to Dublin to face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm ).
It is a tall order for Stuart Lancaster’s men. Having registered just two wins from seven to date, they are now up against the current champions who will be looking to climb the table from their current sixth place. Having suffered three losses and finding themselves seven points off leaders DHL Stormers, Leinster will be targeting this fixture to ensure they stay in touch.
Leinster’s recent victory over Munster was hard-fought, and Connacht will need to apply similar pressure if they are to have any chance of leaving the Aviva with a win.
Odds do not favour the visitors, but after last weekend’s disappointing defeat to Ulster, Connacht will be looking to convert the opportunities they carve, having lacked the necessary finishing power in that 24-29 defeat at Dexcom.
Connacht had started strong, dominated possession and territory, but struggled to translate possession into scores.
However, Lancaster says Connacht’s defence is also an area that needs improving – and it will certainly be tested in the Aviva.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen welcomed James Culhane back to training this week, while Robbie Henshaw was due to be further assessed on a finger injury he picked up in Saturday’s win over Munster. Final decisions on their availability will be made later in the week, but there are no further updates on Hugo Keenan, Jamie Osborne, Ryan Baird, Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose, RG Snyman and Jimmy O’Brien.
