Mayo man in Connacht team for pivotal interpro against Munster
Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for the pivotal BKT United Rugby Championship interpro with Munster at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 7.45 p.m.).
Over 12,000 fans are expected for the final home game of the season, which will have a major say on the final standings ahead of the playoffs.
Mayo native Harry West has been named in the starting XV at outside centre, where he will be partnered by the returning Bundee Aki at inside centre.
Wingers Shayne Bolton and Shane Jennings and full-back Sam Gilbert complete the back division behind half-backs Ben Murphy and Josh Ioane.
Cian Prendergast captains the side in a strong-looking back row that also features Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean Jansen, while Josh Murphy is selected to partner Darragh Murray in the second row. The pack is completed by props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, while Dylan Tierney-Martin starts at hooker as Mayo man Dave Heffernan is ruled out through injury.
Jack Carty has been named among the replacements in what will be his final appearance at Dexcom Stadium before retirement. As is tradition, the departing players will be presented to the fans in a short ceremony after the full-time whistle.
Looking ahead to the encounter, Lancaster said: “The importance of this game is not lost on us. We’ve put ourselves back in the hunt for a playoff spot, and now we need to make sure we bring it to the final day and give ourselves a fighting chance.
“With a sold-out crowd, I know our supporters will get behind us and the players are really excited about playing in front of them again. Interpro games always mean a lot and this one is no exception.”
The Connacht team in full is as follows: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Harry West, Bundee Aki, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy; Billy Bohan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen.
The replacements are: Eoin de Buitléar, Peter Dooley, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Paul Boyle, Matthew Devine, Jack Carty, Seán Naughton.