Irish rugby!

CONNACHT RUGBY

The Connacht Branch of the IRFU was founded on 8 December 1885, and along with it the provincial rugby team. The team was formed after all the other provinces Leinster, Munster and Ulster so that they could compete against each other. The 1995-96 saw the first ever Heineken cup a new tournament set up for the top European teams to play against each other. The irish teams were only given 3 places in the tournament, unfortunately Connacht were not selected.

The 1997-98 proved to be more successful for Connacht after warren gatland led them finishing top of there group. They reached the quarter final but lost. Another new Zealand coach glenn ross took over after warren gatland as he went on to coach Ireland.

in 2001 a new competition began It was called the inaugural  celtic league, teams from Ireland, wales and Scotland competed in it.

Connacht rugby was in danger of shutting down after the irfu proposed shutting them down for cost cuts. a huge protest broke out in Dublin over 2000 Connacht fans. the irfu were forced to keep the team.

As the years went on Connacht grew and grew as a rugby team becoming a stronger team. new coaches such as Michael Bradley and eric elwood. Michael Bradley was awarded the chairman's award after coaching the team for 7 years. eric elwood had a rough term coming 9th in the celtic league and failing to keep key players such as sean Cronin and ian keatley.  Connacht made there first ever Heineken cup appearance in 2011-12 after leinster winning the competition year before. in 2013 Connacht introduced another coach pat lam. he had a great first year having the record of winning streak since 11 years.

Provincial Honours

COMPETITION              CHAMPIONSHIPS          BEST RESULT irish inter-provincial                          2                         champions: competition celtic league/pro 12                            0                         quarter finalists: 2001-02, 2002-03 Heineken cup                                     0                         3rd in pool: 2012-13, 2013-14 European challenge                            0                         semi-finalists: 2003-04, 2004-05, 2009-10 cup Overseas Internationals Warwick Waugh Robbie Morris Mils Muliaina Henry Fa'afili Ray Ofisa James So'oialo Ofisa Treviranus Gavin Williams Dan Parks Eric Peters Fetu'u Vainikolo Enjoy Reading!