By Andrew Ryan

Copyright thesun

CONNACHT kick off their 2025/26 United Rugby Championship campaign when they face Benetton.

It will be Stuart Lancaster’s first competitive game in charge after he was appointed head coach in June.

Here is everything you need to know about the match.

When is it on and what time is kick-off?

Connacht vs Benetton takes place at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway on Saturday, September 27.

Kick-off is at 7:45pm.

Where can I watch it?

The game is being shown live on TG4, with coverage starting at 7:15pm and available to stream via the TG4 Player.

The game is also being shown on Premier Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7:35pm.

Fans seeking the stream the game can do so via a subscription to NowTV.

What are the teams?

Connacht: Sean Naughton, Chay Mullins, Byron Ralston, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Peter Dooley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle, Shamus Hurley-Langton.

Replacements: Dave Heffernan, Jordan Duggan, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Joe Joyce, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Cian Prendergast.

Benetton: Matt Gallagher, Louis Lynagh, Tommaso Menoncello, Malakai Fekitoa, Onisi Ratave, Jacob Umaga, Louis Werchon; Ivan Nemer, Siua Maile, Simone Ferrari, Niccolo Cannone, Eli Snyman, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro, So’otala Fa’aso’o.

Replacements: Richie Asiata, Mirco Spagnolo, Tisiano Pasquali, Riccardo Favretto, Lorenzo Cannone, Alessandro Garbisi, Giuliano Avaca, Paolo Odogwu.

What are the odds?

Connacht are 1/2 favourites to claim the opening day win while Benetton are out to 12/5.

The draw is at 25/1.

What has been said in the build-up?

Saturday will be Stuart Lancaster’s first competitive game in charge of Connacht since his headline-grabbing appointment.

And he is relishing the prospect, saying: “It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the players and backroom staff, and we had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport.

“I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running on Saturday night.

“Benetton are a strong side full of internationals, and the URC has become such a competitive league so every point is vital.

“I know there’s lots of excitement around the province so I’m sure the fans will harness that energy into getting behind the group for this opener, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere for the first time as head coach.”