Shamus Hurley-Langton: Connacht will embrace Challenge Cup shot

One might have thought that a barman in a Dublin pub would respond positively to a polite request to switch on the Connacht match last Friday night, especially coming from the imposing figure of a professional rugby player.

The Westerners were away to Cardiff in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup and a win would guarantee a home run as long as they stay in the tournament.

Missing from the travelling squad was Shamus Hurley-Langton, the New Zealander was being rested and instead stayed with his girlfriend in Dublin, confident enough that he'd find a nice pub to sit down and watch his team-mates take it home.

"They were actually showing the Ulster game, and they wouldn’t put on the Connacht game for us," says the 24-year-old back row.

"They wouldn’t have a bar of it.

"I had to pull it up on my missus’ phone so that’s how I watched it."

The result would have made the pints taste sweeter and Hurley-Langton and his team-mates can look forward to a home clash against the Welsh side in early April.

If they stay winning, they stay in Galway, three knock-out games at the Dexcom Stadium a tantilising prospect.

Languishing 13th in the URC table ahead of Friday night’s trip to Glasgow, Europe is their best chance at landing a first piece of silverware since 2016.

"We talked about it leading up to last week, how important it is to get that home run of games," said Hurley-Langton (above), who has made 48 appearances for the club since joining from Manawatu Turbos in 2022.

"Any rugby player will tell you how important it is playing at home, especially once you get to quarter and semi-finals, taking that travel aspect out of your week. It’s massive.

"Obviously, home support always plays a part.

"As much as some people try play it down, it