Long-serving Connacht player and fan favourite Denis Buckley has announced his departure from the club.
The 35-years-old Roscommon man, who epitomises Connacht’s Grassroots to Greenshirts philosophy, made his first senior debut in September 2011.
The club’s second most capped player with some 275 appearances, Buckley has contributed some 17 years to Connacht Rugby, and is the second most capped player in its history.
Hugely popular, quietly spoken, and humble, Buckley did his talking on the pitch, and says it is “hard to put into words” what Connacht has meant to him.
“From pulling on the jersey for my first cap against Treviso in 2011 or reaching 275 caps and becoming the second most capped player in the club’s history, every moment has been a privilege.
“To be part of this club’s journey and to share the pitch with so many great teammates, coaches, and staff has been something I’ll always be proud of.
“A huge thank you to everyone behind the scenes who keep the wheels turning, and to the fans who have supported us through the highs and the lows — your passion never goes unnoticed and it means more than you know.”
A cornerstone of the front row since then, he was a member of the wider squad that won the Guinness PRO12 in 2016. He made his 100th appearance later that year, followed by his 200th cap in 2021. During his career he was also twice named in the PRO14/URC Team of the Season.
A product of Creggs RFC, Buckley extended a special thank you to his home club, “not not only for introducing me to the game, but for the constant support behind the scenes, from my early days in underage and Connacht development squads right through my career”.
“Most importantly, I want to thank my family for their constant support through every challenge and milestone along the way. And to my wife Gillie — thank you for everything you’ve sacrificed, for your patience, and for being such a steady support. I’m so excited for what the future holds for us, especially with the recent arrival of our beautiful daughter, Clodagh.”
Buckley is “exploring potential opportunities” and plans to make an announcement on his future in the coming weeks.
However, he says: “Whatever happens, I’ll always look back on my time here with huge pride and gratitude. Connacht will always be home.”
Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane, in paying tribute to Buckley’s longevity and dedication to the club, says he has been an “incredible servant”.
“We owe him a debt of gratitude for all he has given rugby in Connacht. Since making his debut 15 years ago, he has embodied the grit and resilience that defines the club, and his 275 appearances since that day is a testament to his durability and professionalism.
“He should also be very proud of the impact he has made on his local club Creggs RFC and the wider Roscommon community, where he has helped to inspire a new generation of players.
“On behalf of the organisation I want to thank him for everything he has done for Connacht Rugby, and wish him, his wife Gill and young daughter Clodagh every happiness in the future.”
Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster says he has been very impressed with Denis’ “enduring professionalism and his qualities as a loosened prop” in the short time he has worked with him,
“To play 275 times for your home province is an incredible achievement, and a rare quality in professional rugby these days.
“It speaks volumes of his character and commitment to rugby in the West of Ireland, and I want to thank him for all the contributions he has made over his many years at the club and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
A cornerstone of the front row, Denis Buckley was a member of the squad that won the Guinness PRO12 in 2016, and made his 100th appearance later that year, followed by his 200th cap in 2021. During his career he was also twice named in the PRO14/URC Team of the Season.
