Connacht vs Stormers: Preview and Predictions 

Connacht Rugby takes on the DHL Stormers in Round 1 of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship (URC) season on Friday, 25 September. The Stormers are travelling to Galway for this meeting at Dexcom Stadium. 

Connacht finished eighth in the 2025/26 URC regular season and secured a place in the playoffs. The Stormers finished third before reaching the semi-finals. Connacht also won the most recent meeting between these sides, beating the Stormers 33-24 in Cape Town in April 2026. 

With both teams starting a new URC campaign and several international players unavailable, this opening-round fixture could provide an early indication of how the sides will approach the season. 

Why This Match Matters So Much 

For Connacht, the opening game provides an opportunity to build on their 2025/26 URC campaign. After starting last season with three wins from their first 10 games, Stuart Lancaster’s side won seven of their final eight regular-season matches to reach the playoffs. 

The Stormers will be looking to begin their campaign strongly after finishing third last season. John Dobson’s side won 12 of their 18 regular-season matches before beating Cardiff Rugby in the quarter-finals and losing to eventual champions Leinster Rugby in the semi-finals. 

There is also recent history between these teams. Connacht won 33-24 in Cape Town in April, while the Stormers won the previous four meetings, including a 38-15 victory in Galway in September 2022. 

Tactical Overview  

Home advantage could be important for Connacht, particularly with the match being played under Friday-night lights at Dexcom Stadium. The Irish province’s improvement last season was built around a significant defensive turnaround, with the team finishing strongly enough to secure a playoff place. 

The Stormers arrive with a squad containing considerable experience and international quality. Their 2026/27 squad includes 17 internationals, 15 of them Springboks, while 18 players from their 2021/22 URC-winning squad remain with the club. 

However, international commitments will affect both teams. Connacht confirmed that seven players involved in Ireland’s summer fixtures will not be available for the opener, while several Stormers players are also involved with the Springboks ahead of their Test against Australia. 

That makes selection, depth, and how quickly each side settles into its combinations particularly relevant in Round 1. 

Players to Watch  

TBC (Connacht)  

TBC (Stormers)  

Starting Lineup (Connacht)  

TBC 

Starting Lineup (Stormers)  

TBC 

Match Details 

Date: 25 September 2026  

Venue: Dexcom Stadium, Galway 

Kick-off Time: 20:45pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction   

The Stormers have the stronger recent overall league record, but Connacht’s home advantage and their 33-24 win in Cape Town last season make this a difficult opening-round fixture to call. 

Connacht’s home advantage, recent victory over the Stormers, and the international absences affecting both squads point towards a competitive match. A close contest is expected, with Connacht having the opportunity to start their 2026/27 URC campaign with a home victory. 

Prediction: Connacht to win 

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