The Connacht Rugby matchday squad has been named for tomorrow night’s BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Edinburgh Rugby at Dexcom Stadium (k/o 7.35 pm).
Less than 24 hours after his second British & Irish Lions selection, club legend Bundee Aki will make his 150th appearance for Connacht, in an exciting centre partnership with Hugh Gavin. Jack Carty misses out due to a minor ankle injury, so JJ Hanrahan starts at #10 in what is his final home game for the club. The back three consists of full-back Santiago Cordero and wingers Shayne Bolton and Finn Treacy, with Ben Murphy at scrum-half. In the forwards, the experience front rowers Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham all return after missing the last game against the Lions, while Josh Murphy and Darragh Murray make up the centre partnership. Cian Prendergast captains the side on the flank, with Conor Oliver on the opposite side and Sean Jansen at number 8. As is tradition, a presentation will be made to our departing players following the full-time whistle.
Interim Head Coach Cullie Tucker says: "We know our playoff hopes are out of our own hands, but that's not stopping us doing everything we can to finish this season strongly. We're aiming for 10 points across these final 2 games, starting tomorrow against a tough Edinburgh side, and then whatever happens happens after that. Our supporters have been brilliant to us, especially during the more difficult times, so for this final home game we want to give them something to cheer for. It's also the final Dexcom game for a number of our departing players, so we want to pay tribute to them in the right way, both on and off the field. So it should be a great occasion and we're looking forward to the challenge"
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS EDINBURGH RUGBY
19:35, Saturday 10th May 2025 @ Dexcom Stadium
Number/Name/Caps
15. Santiago Cordero (20)
14. Shayne Bolton (24)
13. Hugh Gavin (9)
12. Bundee Aki (149)
11. Finn Treacy (6)
10. JJ Hanrahan (27)
9. Ben Murphy (14)
1. Denis Buckley (263)
2. Dave Heffernan (217)
3. Finlay Bealham (217)
4. Josh Murphy (37)
5. Darragh Murray (37)
6. Cian Prendergast (85) Captain
7. Conor Oliver (95)
8. Sean Jansen (24)
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (56)
17. Peter Dooley (52)
18. Jack Aungier (86)
19. Oisín Dowling (76)
20. Paul Boyle (114)
21. Caolin Blade (208)
22. Cathal Forde (50)
23. David Hawkshaw (42)
