the2ndrow – THE 2ND ROW

JAN-HENRIK WESSELS – APPEAL HEARING ban reduced by one week

29 Oct 202529 Oct 2025

An Independent Appeal Hearing was held today (Wednesday, October 29) regarding the citing and subsequent suspension of Jan-Hendrik Wessels of the Vodacom Bulls which had resulted in a nine-game ban.…

BKT United Rugby Championship Takes Next Step in Concussion Innovation with Independent Coolhead Study

The BKT United Rugby Championship has advanced its player-welfare collaboration with med-tech company PolarCool into a fully ratified academic research project led by Leeds Beckett University. The new COOLHEAD study,…

URC Introduces Independent TMO Process to Deliver Faster, More Accurate Decisions

25 Sep 202525 Sep 2025

An independent TMO process will be introduced to the United Rugby Championship, designed to improve the accuracy of key decisions and speed up the game. Backed by Hawk-Eye technology, the…

BKT URC to Introduce 20-Minute Red Card Trial for 2025/26 Season

The BKT United Rugby Championship will adopt the global World Rugby trial of the 20-minute red card law for the 2025/26 season. The trial is designed to protect player welfare,…

CONNACHT RUGBY UNVEIL 2025/26 HOME JERSEY

Connacht Rugby, in partnership with Macron Sports and Intersport Elverys, are delighted to reveal the new Connacht Rugby home jersey for the 2025/26 season. This commemorative kit has been designed…

STUART LANCASTER APPOINTED CONNACHT RUGBY HEAD COACH

3 Jun 20253 Jun 2025

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU are delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Lancaster as the club’s new Head Coach.Lancaster has signed a two-year contract and arrives at the province…

SAM GILBERT JOINS CONNACHT RUGBY

9 May 20259 May 2025

Connacht Rugby is delighted to announce the signing of New Zealander Sam Gilbert from Super Rugby side the Highlanders, ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 26-year old arrives with a…

PETE WILKINS STEPS DOWN AS CONNACHT RUGBY HEAD COACH

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU can confirm Pete Wilkins has taken the decision to step down as head coach with immediate effect. After 8 years with Connacht Pete has decided…

BILLY MILLARD APPOINTED CONNACHT RUGBY GENERAL MANAGER OF PERFORMANCE

Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the appointment of Billy Millard as General Manager of Performance from the start of next season.A newly created role, Millard will have ultimate responsibility…

IOANE & O’BRIEN PEN NEW DEALS

14 Mar 202514 Mar 2025

Connacht Rugby is delighted to announce Josh Ioane and Sean O’Brien have renewed their contracts at the club. Out-half Ioane joined from New Zealand side the Chiefs last summer on…