URC Preview | Benetton v Connacht

Fri 2 Oct, 19:45 (UK/IRE), Stadio Monigo

Broadcasters: Sky Italia, Premier Sports, SuperSport, TG4, URC.tv and FloRugby

The big picture

Benetton and Connacht are seeking their first wins of the campaign after a home draw with Dragons RFC and a home defeat

to DHL Stormers respectively.

Match angles

• Benetton’s only win in their last six URC matches was 29-26 against Leinster in April.

• The Italians’ only defeat in their last five URC matches at Stadio Monigo was 15-45 to Munster in Round 15 last season.

• Connacht have lost back-to-back URC fixtures and have not lost three in succession since January.

• The last six meetings between the teams have been won by the home team on the day.

• Connacht have not won at Stadio Monigo since April 2022.

Form snapshot

Benetton Rugby last 6 URC: L-L-W-L-L-D

Connacht Rugby last 6 URC: W-L-W-W-L-L

Recent URC meetings

In the last five meetings, Benetton Rugby have 1 win and Connacht Rugby 4 wins.

27 Sep 2025: Connacht Rugby 26 Benetton Rugby 15

1 Mar 2025: Connacht Rugby 38 Benetton Rugby 30

30 Mar 2024: Benetton Rugby 18 Connacht Rugby 14

Overall URC H2H

Benetton Rugby 6 wins, Connacht Rugby 18 wins, 1 draw.

Key players in the URC this season

Benetton Rugby: Bautista Bernasconi, Francois Carlo Mey and Ignacio Mendy scored a try each in Round 1; Jacob Umaga

added four points.

Connacht Rugby: Mack Hansen and Josh Ioane scored tries in Round 1, with Sam Gilbert contributing five points.

Match officials

Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU, 30th game)

AR1: Franco Rosella (FIR)

AR2: Manuel Bottino (FIR)

TMO: Sam Grove-White (SRU)