Seven-try Connacht beat Saracens in Champions Cup

October 17, 2026

Connacht delivered a dominant attacking display to defeat three-time Champions Cup winners Saracens 45-36 in their opening pool match. The Irish side, currently third from bottom in the United Rugby Championship, scored seven tries, with captain Cian Prendergast and fly-half Ciaran Frawley each contributing two.

Saracens, who led early through tries from Sione Vaenuku and Noah Caluori, saw Connacht rally with a late surge, including a crucial second-half try from Prendergast and a double from Frawley. Despite a late try from Elliot Daly, Saracens fell short of a bonus point after Owen Farrell’s conversion attempt went wide.

Connacht’s victory was secured despite falling just short of a bonus point themselves, needing three more tries than their opponents to earn one in the pool stage this season. Meanwhile, La Rochelle defeated South African side Lions 31-14 in another Pool Two match, with the game played in tribute to Lions player Hyron Andrews, who died earlier in the week at age 31.