Mayo man back in Connacht squad for trip to Ulster

Mayo native Dave Heffernan is back in the Connacht squad following a spell out through injury.

The Ballina man has returned following a two-month absence due to a calf injury to form the front row alongside Billy Bohan and Finlay Bealham for the BKT United Rugby Championship interpro away to Ulster Rugby today (Firday), a game which kicks off at 7.45 p.m. at Affidea Stadium, Belfast.

Cian Prendergast captains the side and is one of five players who have come from international duty straight into the starting line-up.

Bundee Aki, fresh off his IRFU contract extension, try scorer Darragh Murray, Finlay Bealham and academy prop Bohan are the four fellow internationals named in the starting XV.

Elsewhere, Sean Jansen and Paul Boyle have been passed fit to be included in the matchday 23. Jansen is retained at number eight while Boyle is named among the replacements. The forwards are completed by lock Joe Joyce and blindside flanker Josh Murphy.

Scrum-half Colm Reilly is retained while Jack Carty comes in at out-half. Cathal Forde shifts to outside centre, while the back three consists of wingers Finn Treacy and Shane Jennings and academy full-back Sean Naughton.

Looking ahead to the contest, Lancaster said: “We’ve been building some nice momentum this past month or two, but this will be the biggest challenge yet in this block. Ulster have been very strong this season and their home form is also impressive, but we are excited about the game and what lies ahead.

“It’s great to welcome the five players back from international duty, while Heff’s return is also welcome because he was in great form before his injury.

“These interpros are always intense and physical, so I’m expecting more of the same from both sides today.”

The Connacht team in full is as follows: Seán Naughton, Shane Jennings, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Finn Treacy, Jack Carty, Colm Reilly; Billy Bohan, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast, Sean Jansen.

The replacements are: Matthew Victory, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Ben Murphy, Josh Ioane, John Devine.