Tiernan O’Halloran ‘copped on’ after reality check from Pat Lam

Connacht full-back Tiernan O’Halloran admits being dropped for their famous win over Toulouse three years ago was a massive reality check for him.

O’Halloran shone at underage level for Ireland but after a few minor injuries his career stalled at Connacht and he wasn’t at Stade Ernest-Wallon in December, 2013. Indeed, the Clifden native was playing Ulster Bank League Division 1B rugby for Buccaneers against UL Bohemians the weekend when Connacht beat the four-time champions 16-14 in one of the biggest shocks in European Cup history.

The 25-year-old has racked up 106 appearances for Connacht and scored 20 tries since his debut in the 2009-10 season.

O’Halloran has played 13 times in the Champions Cup but it is the game he missed out which marks a turning point in his career: “I was playing with Buccaneers, and I wasn’t in Pat’s selection at the time,” said O’Halloran.

“It was a tough enough time in terms of my career; I was struggling big time in form and had one or two small injuries – nothing that should’ve been affecting me too much – but it was.

“Pat was always pushing me to keep on improving and working hard and thankfully I copped myself on, worked hard and got back into the squad again.”

But three years on Connacht are the reigning PRO12 champions and they come into this Pool 3 opener full of confidence.

A lot has changed since 2013-14 - Lam’s first in charge - and after back to back wins over Edinburgh and Ulster the westerners are back on track after a sluggish start to the season.

Connacht began the campaign with three defeats in a row in the league, but following Lam’s first success against Ulster last weekend O’Halloran says they are excited about Saturday’s game.

“There is an increase in intensity, especially after that win on Friday night after our slow start to the season. Finally getting on the board against Edinburgh and backing it up against the only team we didn’t beat last year; that’s just brought confidence and momentum.

“There’s that excitement, it’s Champions Cup rugby again. There is massive excitement and you can feel that as well with the supporters, there’s a buzz building.