Nolan made his first appearance for Connacht in the 2009–10 Celtic League. His debut came on 25 April 2010, away against Welsh side Scarlets. Nolan started and played the full 80 minutes for his side as they lost 58–10. He also made an appearance for Connacht against the Newport Gwent Dragons as a replacement in the 2010–11 Celtic League, playing for 20 minutes.