Young Mayo man in line to make URC debut with Connacht

Erris native Fiachna Barrett could make his United Rugby Championship debut as he is named among the Connacht replacements for their encounter with Benetton.

Fellow Mayo man Dave Heffernan, who has played well over 200 times for Connacht, is also on the bench for the URC season opener, which will be played tomorrow (Saturday) at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium, Galway. Kick-off is at 7.45 p.m.

Paul Boyle captains the side from blindside flanker in his 117th appearance for the province, while there’s a first Connacht start for academy back Sean Naughton, in what will also be his first appearance in the URC. The Galway man lines out at full-back.

Boyle features in a back row that includes Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean Jansen at number eight. Niall Murray and Josh Murphy make up the second row partnership, while the pack is completed by props Peter Dooley and Sam Illo and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin.

In the backs, Naughton makes up a back three with wingers Chay Mullins and Irish international Shayne Bolton, while Cathal Forde and Byron Ralston form the centre pairing. Completing the side are scrum-half Caolin Blade and out-half Josh Ioane.

Anticipating the game, head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the players and backroom staff, and we had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport, so I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running tomorrow night.

“Benetton are a strong side full of internationals and the URC has become such a competitive league, so every point is vital. I know there’s lots of excitement around the province so I’m sure the fans will harness that energy into getting behind the group for this opener, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere for the first time as head coach.”

The Connacht starting XV in full is as follows: Sean Naughton, Chay Mullins, Byron Ralston, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade; Peter Dooley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen.

On the replacements' bench are: Dave Heffernan, Jordan Duggan, Fiachna Barrett, David O’Connor, Joe Joyce, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Cian Prendergast.