Munster vs Connacht Team Announcement for October 24 2025 Match News Update
Connacht Rugby has announced its matchday squad for the highly anticipated fixture against Munster in the BKT United Rugby Championship. The match will take place on October 25, 2025, at Thomond Park, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 PM.
Connacht Team Changes for Munster Clash
Head coach Stuart Lancaster has made significant adjustments to the team following their recent loss to the Bulls. A total of nine changes have been implemented, particularly due to several players being called up for Ireland duty.
Notable Debuts and Squad Adjustments
- Harry West, a Mayo native and Academy graduate, will make his senior debut at full-back.
- The back three features new faces: Finn Treacy on the left wing and Byron Ralston shifting to the right wing.
- Galway players Cathal Forde and Hugh Gavin will serve as the new center pairing.
- Ben Murphy will start as scrum-half alongside out-half Josh Ioane.
The front row sees Jordan Duggan and Sam Illo taking the prop positions, with Dave Heffernan retained at hooker. In the second row, Joe Joyce joins Darragh Murray.
Captaincy and Bench Strength
Paul Boyle returns from injury to captain the team at openside flanker, flanked by Josh Murphy and Sean Jansen in the back row. The coaching staff has opted for a six-two split on the bench, which includes Academy prop Fiachna Barrett and Sean O’Brien at number 23.
Comments from Head Coach Stuart Lancaster
Stuart Lancaster expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. He stated, “An away interpro is one of the biggest tests in the URC, so everyone’s looking forward to the game.” He acknowledged Munster as a top-class team and highlighted the importance of playing to their potential.
Lancaster added, “I’ve heard that Connacht supporters travel in big numbers for these games. I’m sure they will make their voices heard in Thomond Park and help us finish this first block of games on a high.”
Connacht Matchday Squad vs Munster Rugby
| Number | Name | Caps |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Harry West | * |
| 14 | Byron Ralston | 38 |
| 13 | Hugh Gavin | 11 |
| 12 | Cathal Forde | 54 |
| 11 | Finn Treacy | 9 |
| 10 | Josh Ioane | 16 |
| 9 | Ben Murphy | 18 |
| 1 | Jordan Duggan | 65 |
| 2 | Dave Heffernan | 222 |
| 3 | Sam Illo | 33 |
| 4 | Joe Joyce | 40 |
| 5 | Darragh Murray | 41 |
| 6 | Josh Murphy | 41 |
| 7 | Paul Boyle (C) | 117 |
| 8 | Sean Jansen | 29 |
| 16 | Dylan Tierney-Martin | 59 |
| 17 | Peter Dooley | 55 |
| 18 | Fiachna Barrett | 2 |
| 19 | Niall Murray | 83 |
| 20 | David O’Connor | 11 |
| 21 | Matthew Devine | 21 |
| 22 | Sean Naughton | 4 |
| 23 | Seán O’Brien | 15 |
As Connacht prepares for this pivotal match against Munster, fans eagerly await what promises to be an exciting encounter at Thomond Park.
