Connacht squad named for vital Munster interpro

Connacht Rugby head coach Pete Wilkins has named his side for the BKT United Rugby Championship interpro with Munster.

There are three enforced changes from the starting team that beat Dragons two weeks ago, with Peter Dooley, Paul Boyle and captain Jack Carty replacing injury absentees Denis Buckley, Cian Prendergast and J.J. Hanrahan.

The other changes see Oisín Dowling start alongside Joe Joyce in the second row, while the fit-again Byron Ralston comes onto the left wing.

The remaining forwards are hooker Dave Heffernan, prop Finlay Bealham and flankers Shamus Hurley-Langton and Conor Oliver.

In the backs, Matthew Devine is retained at scrum-half, Bundee Aki and Tom Farrell continue their centre pairing, while winger Shane Jennings and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran make up the rest of the back three.

Commenting ahead of the game this evening, head coach Pete Wilkins said: “Firstly we’re incredibly excited about the game. These interpros, especially ones of such importance, are the kind of days you train for and look forward to all year.

“We’ve picked a 23 that we know can deliver a physical and committed performance from the first minute, because that’s what will be needed. Munster have quality players all over the field and are always a challenge to play in Limerick, but I’m confident in our squad and our game plan that we can give ourselves every opportunity if we play to our potential.”

The game will commence at 5.15 p.m. this evening in Thomond Park, Limerick.

The Connacht starting XV is as follows: Tiernan O’Halloran, Shane Jennings, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, Jack Carty, Matthew Devine; Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Oisín Dowling, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle.

On the replacements' bench are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Niall Murray, Sean Jansen, Caolin Blade, Cathal Forde, Jarrad Butler.