Connacht under fire for ‘salty’ statement as homegrown star leaves for Ulster

Fans are not happy.

The transfer has now been confirmed and the province's supporters are even more disgruntled, due to the statement released by Connacht.

It reads: "We can confirm Matthew Devine has chosen not to extend his contract, and will leave Connacht Rugby at the end of the season.

"While we are disappointed by his decision, we thank him for all his efforts during his time at the club."

Fans feel that it is placing too much responsibility on the player for the move, with the province providing him with meagre game time, despite impressive performances in his limited opportunities.

As a homegrown player and their most talented scrum-half - in a group that includes Irish international Caolin Blade and Ben Murphy - Connacht have not prioritised the 23-year-old.

The Galway man had three starts last season and has just two so far in 2025/2026.

At Ulster he will be able to push Nathan Doak for the starting jersey, in a side with a greater chance at winning silverware, and under the tutelage of Richie Murphy, who has proven to be one of the best in the country at nurturing young talent.

This seems like a spiteful statement, and may make future talent think twice about going west. Bad, bad call here, lads.

— Mar of the House Vickers 🇺🇦 #32740 (@mar2vickers) February 2, 2026

Interesting phraseology here, but if you wanted to keep him, why not play him 🤔, good luck to him anyway, he's very talented.

— bob (@bob80411203) February 2, 2026

Connacht Rugby is 100% to blame for this. Matthew is the best scrumhalf at Connacht & couldn’t get a game. I’m sure if he was given guarantees that he would play then he would have stayed. Connacht will now bring in a No Name from New Zealand to replace him.

— Mícheál Ó Gallchobhair (@itsskitime) February 2, 2026