Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for Saturday’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash with Montauban at Dexcom Stadium (k/o 8 pm).
There are just three changes from the side that narrowly lost to Montpellier last weekend, with hooker Dave Heffernan, scrum-half Matthew Devine (pictured) and out-half Jack Carty coming into the side after all three returned from injury. Otherwise, it’s as selected from last week, with another start for Academy loosehead prop Billy Bohan with Sam Illo on the opposite side, and a backrow of captain Cian Prendergast, Paul Boyle and Sean Jansen. It’s a special day for the second row pairing, with both Darragh Murray and Josh Murphy making their 50th appearances for the province. The centre combination of Cathal Forde and Harry West continues after excellent performances last week, as does the back three of wingers Finn Treacy and Shane Jennings, and full-back Sam Gilbert. On the bench, there are two further injury returnees in Jack Aungier and Sean Naughton, while Academy centre Sean Walsh is again selected. A win will ensure Connacht’s qualification to the last 16 of the competition, with their opponents and venue to be determined as the results come in over the weekend.
Connacht team v Montauban
Saturday 17th January, 8 pm Dexcom Stadium
15. Sam Gilbert (7)
14. Shane Jennings (25)
13. Harry West (5)
12. Cathal Forde (61)
11. Finn Treacy (14)
10. Jack Carty (227)
9. Matthew Devine (26)
1. Billy Bohan (3)
2. Dave Heffernan (227)
3. Sam Illo (38)
4. Darragh Murray (49)
5. Josh Murphy (49)
6. Cian Prendergast (94) (C)
7. Paul Boyle (124)
8. Sean Jansen (36)
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (65)
17. Denis Buckley (271)
18. Jack Aungier (92)
19. Joe Joyce (45)
20. Sean O’Brien (22)
21. Ben Murphy (25)
22. Sean Naughton (7)
23. Sean Walsh (2)
