Ciaran Frawley out to prove himself Ireland worthy against former side

By Jonny BlackPublished 28 Oct 2026, 07:30

Ciaran Frawley made the move from Leinster to Connacht for the start of this season and will be welcoming his former side to the Dexcom this Friday.

Frawley found himself blocked in his goal to play 10 when at Leinster, regularly pushed to other positions behind Sam Prendergast and Harry Byrne in the number 10 jersey. Frawley’s performances have justified his call-up to the Ireland squad for the Rugby Nations Championship fixtures this November. He will be competing with Sam Prendergast for the starting 10 jersey when Ireland take on Argentina, Fiji and the Springboks before they enter a final round at Twickenham.

Frawley’s time at Leinster

Frawley shared this week that he had earned the nickname Jordie Carrot when at Leinster due to the positional versatility that he shares with the All Black who spent a season at Leinster. It was this jumping round in position that must have led to frustrations for Frawley and ultimately have led to him deciding to make the move to Connacht, where Lancaster had offered assurances that he would be used primarily as a number 10, particularly after the departure of Jack Carty, who retired at the end of last season.

Frawley played over 100 times for Leinster between his debut in early 2018 and the Champions Cup final in 2026, where he wasn’t able to be help his side pick up another European trophy.

Prendergast vs Frawley: the battle for the number 10 jersey

Sam Prendergast has been named as the other out-half in Andy Farrell’s squad for the Rugby Nations Championship games in November. The interpro fixture between Connacht and Leinster this weekend could see an early showcase between the two heading off against each other directly. Prendergast did miss out on Leinster’s win over Munster at the Aviva Stadium due to a slight injury so his invovlement will be uncertain.

Prendergast has been in a fight with Jack Crowley for the number 10 Ireland jersey and after seeming to lose that battle during the 2026 Six Nations, but performed well in the summer tour of the Souther Hemisphere, particularly in the win over Australia. Frawley will look to get at least one start in the number 10 jersey over the summer and build on the strong start to the season he has had.