Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Dragons at Rodney Parade (k/o 7.45 pm).
There are just three changes to the side that comprehensively beat Black Lion in the Challenge Cup last week, with the returning Cian Prendergast, Josh Ioane and Bundee Aki all coming into the side. Prendergast and Ioane have recovered from injuries in recent weeks, while Aki has returned from a down week. Otherwise, it’s as selected, meaning a tight five of props Jordan Duggan and Sam Illo, hooker Dave Heffernan, and Roscommon brothers Darragh and Niall Murray in the second row. Prendergast comes in at blindside flanker to captain the side, with Sean O’Brien swapping to openside. Caolin Blade continues at scrum-half, while Cathal Forde moves to outside centre alongside Aki. There’s no change to the back three with full-back Sam Gilbert and wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins.
Among the replacements is Denis Buckley, who, if called upon, will equal Michael Swift’s 269 appearances for Connacht, putting him joint-second in Connacht’s all-time appearance list, behind only John Muldoon. Finlay Bealham is also on the bench, having overcome a head injury against the Ospreys.
