Conor Oliver on pre-season clash against Connacht

Trailfinders back row Conor Oliver previews the pre-season clash between his current and previous clubs. 

Oliver signed for Trailfinders for the 2025/26 season. Prior to moving to West London, Oliver spent four years with Connacht. He offers his thoughts ahead of Trailfinders’ first pre-season match against the Irish side on Saturday 5 September.

‘Connacht play a very similar style of game to us,’ he said.

‘They have always had structure in their kicking game and have been an attacking team. Connacht definitely take their chances in attack and play an open style of running rugby.

‘I think both teams going up against each other will mean for a really exciting game.

‘Both teams have an attacking focus. Of course for Trailfinders, our defence is a big part of who we are too.’

The last time Trailfinders faced Connacht was in the British & Irish Cup over ten years ago. During that time, both teams have significantly evolved. Oliver touched on Connacht’s recent growth under their new Head Coach Stuart Lancaster.

‘It’s obviously a big difference to playing Connacht now compared to over a decade ago.

‘Connacht are a team and province that is definitely on the up. The facilities at their new stadium are amazing and they have a fresh coaching team. I think it’s going to be a really great game.

‘Connacht definitely improved in the URC last season and Stuart Lancaster has had a big impact on the club. You can see that from their winning streak last season and their qualification for the Investec Champions Cup.

‘For us, it’s a massive challenge to play against a Champions Cup team. It’s a really exciting test and we can measure ourselves against a really strong team.’

Trailfinders will travel to West Ireland on the first weekend of September ahead of the pre-season clash at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday 5 September.

‘I’m still really close with a lot of the guys on the team at Connacht so I’m looking forward to seeing them. It’ll be a great opportunity for me to be at home for a short while but also spend time with the Trailfinders squad.

‘Away trips like this are always such a big social aspect for us and the team bonding is another thing I’m looking forward to.’