Connacht confirm Will Connors capture from Leinster

January 27, 2026

Connacht have made yet a statement signing ahead of next season with Leinster and Ireland back row Will Connors agreeing a two-year deal in Galway.

The 29-year-old will swap Leinster blue for Connacht green next summer, following Ciarán Frawley west to Dexcom Stadium and reuniting with former Leinster senior coach Stuart Lancaster at The Sportsground.

It is a move that has finally be confirmed follow rumours Connors was heading to Connacht a few weeks ago.

Connors came up against his future club just last weekend, closing the curtain on a nine-season spell at Leinster that saw him make 62 appearances. When available, the Kildare native carved out a reputation as one of the most efficient breakdown operators in the country, combining relentless work rate with physicality and defensive edge.

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Back rower has turned heads in recent years

His provincial form earned international recognition in 2020, when he made his Ireland debut under Andy Farrell. Connors quickly became a trusted figure in the national setup, featuring in every Test that year and collecting nine caps in total as Ireland leaned on his accuracy and intensity around the ruck.

Just as his career gathered momentum, misfortune struck. A serious knee injury sustained during the 2021 Six Nations brought his rise to a sudden halt, ruling him out for a prolonged period. The setback limited Connors to just two appearances between March 2021 and September 2022 and proved a testing chapter in his career.

Now fully fit and eager for a new challenge, Connors will look to relaunch his career in the west. Connacht are gaining a battle-hardened forward with elite-level experience, a strong understanding of Lancaster’s methods, and a point to prove.

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Will Connors excited by Connacht move

Looking ahead to his move, Connors said: “I’ve had a fantastic nine seasons with Leinster and am very grateful for all that was achieved in that time.

“I look forward to finishing the season strongly before making the move west in the summer and joining up with a really exciting and talented group.

“After chatting to Stuart and the team, it’s clear there’s enormous ambition in the club to be successful in the years ahead.

“Connacht is a proud rugby province, which I experienced first-hand in Saturday’s game at Dexcom Stadium. The atmosphere there was electric on what was clearly a very special night for the club, and I’m eager to contribute to that renowned connection between the fans and the team.”

For Stuart Lancaster’s side, the capture of Connors adds bite, depth and leadership to the back row. For Connors, it represents a fresh start, a familiar coaching voice, and a chance to make a decisive impact in green as Connacht continue to build momentum which they’ll be hoping to take into 2026-27

Lancaster himself is eager to see Connors line out for connacht and said: “I’ve seen Will’s ability first-hand and I know he’ll be another big asset to Connacht next season.

“His tackling ability and defensive work rate is well known, but he has real attacking strengths too which I am looking forward to developing.

“He also has a positive personality who brings great energy to the group and real potential as a leader. I’m sure he will thrive in the environment we are building here in Connacht.

“I’m delighted he has chosen to join us at Dexcom Stadium as we continue to evolve and grow the quality and competition in the squad.”