Swift made eight starts, along with six appearances as a replacement in the 2008–09 Celtic League, as Connacht continued to struggle domestically. The team finished in last place, 13 points adrift of Newport Gwent Dragons in ninth. Connacht's European form improved, however. Grouped with London Irish, Dax and Rovigo in the 2008–09 Challenge Cup, the team finished second in their pool. Swift played in each of these pool games, before featuring in the quarter-final against Northampton Saints. Connacht were ultimately beaten 42–13 by the Saints.