How Irish provinces are shaping up for new season

The United Rugby Championship resumes Friday after nearly 100 days off, with Ireland’s four provinces reshaping their squads for the 2026-27 season. Leinster, defending URC champions under Leo Cullen in what’s set to be his final year as head coach, will also be under pressure to build toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and Andy Farrell’s Ireland plans. Connacht aim to build on Stuart Lancaster’s turnaround after a slow start, recruiting Ciaran Frawley, Will Connors, Jerry Cahir and Francois van Wyk. Leinster have retained the title, and their notable off-season movements include Peter Dooley joining from Connacht, with departures such as Rabah Slimani to Toulon and Luke McGrath to Perpignan.