A new chapter in Connacht Rugby's history opens this weekend as they take on Leinster in the official opening of Dexcom Stadium. For Sean Jansen, the occasion represents far more than just another fixture.
The New Zealander cannot contain his excitement when asked about the opening of the Dexcom Stadium on Saturday.
"I can't wait for the Leinster game," beams Jansen.
He explains that he can't wait for the fans to get back into the Clan Stand after what he describes as a "tough period" for them.
"I know the fans have gone through that tough period where they got rid of the Clan Stand and there was a lot of loyal fans that were in there every week and they kind of got dispersed," he explains.
"Obviously we still feel the following. But it will be real good for the fans that come in and it will be a proper experience. All the stuff they've got organised, it's looking really good."
The new high-performance centre at Connacht Rugby has changed the dynamic for the squad. Jansen shared how the squad struggled at times last season operating within limited space and spending a lot of time in portacabins. Now, the players have everything they need to prepare at the highest level under one roof.
"We had a tough year last year, we were in portacabins and then eating your food and there are people getting changed in the showers in front of your face," says the 26-year-old.
But now the players are operating day-to-day from facilities that are "as good as you get anywhere in the world".
"It's easy to come in in the morning. The boys are spending a lot more time together, which builds connections as well. It definitely helps us a lot.
"And as you know the weather here is not amazing, so with the indoor pitch you can get through a lot of detail when you're not sitting and freezing outside," Jansen adds.
Jansen has been at Connacht Rugby since 2023, and despite the up-and-down nature of Connacht's season so far, he has been enthused by head coach Stuart Lancaster.
"He's coached top tier and I have a good relationship with Stuart, he keeps you accountable for your stuff," Jansen shares.
"He makes you train hard, and he doesn't give you anything easy. He also does a lot of stuff you wouldn't see as a fan.
"Having me in his office and talking about this, talking about that. He just gives me the confidence to do what I'm good at. Sometimes that's all you need, a coach to really give everyone confidence."
As the noise returns to the Clan Stand terraces, Jansen and this team are determined to embrace this next chapter of the Connacht Rugby story, driven by a coach who demands the highest standards, an enhanced team connection, and a crowd finally back where it belongs.
