Two Ireland internationals among 11 confirmed Connacht exits

Stuart Lancaster’s Connacht have confirmed a group of eleven departures at the end of the season, including two Ireland internationals, as part of a not insignificant turnover in the squad.

In a club statement, Connacht said a number of players will move on from Galway this summer, following the previously confirmed exits of long-serving pair Denis Buckley and Jack Carty, who will end their lengthy association with their home province.

Also already announced are former Bristol second-row Joe Joyce and halfback Matthew Devine, who will join Gloucester and Ulster respectively ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The latest update sees one-cap Ireland international Jack Aungier, Oisín Dowling, Peter Dooley, David Hawkshaw, Chay Mullins, Temi Lasisi, and Oisín McCormack join the list of departing players.

Tighthead prop Aungier departs after four seasons at the Dexcom, having become a consistent presence in the front row for the Westerners. He has been linked with a move to Irish provincial rivals Ulster.

Fellow prop Dooley has also been linked with a move to a province, with a return to Leinster mooted for the Offaly native.

Second-row Dowling has battled injury during his time at the club but showed his quality when available, while former Ireland U20 standout Hawkshaw also moves on after playing just four games for the province this season.

They are joined on the outgoing list by academy graduate Mullins, and young prospects McCormack and former Ireland U20s prop Temi Lasisi.

“On behalf of the coaching staff and the wider organisation, I want to thank every one of the departing players for their efforts and contributions, not just this season but over the course of their time with us,” said Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster. “They have each made their own positive impact on rugby in Connacht, and I wish them every health and happiness in whatever the future may hold for them.”