Connacht squad named for massive meeting with Stormers
Tiernan O’Halloran will start for Connacht in the massive BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with DHL Stormers at Dexcom Stadium today (kick-off 5.05 p.m).
Having announced his retirement earlier this month, the Clifden native will play his final home game for the club after a 15-year career.
Jarrad Butler will also play in front of the home support for the final time if called upon, with the former captain named among the replacements. Also on the bench is Argentinian international Santiago Cordero, who is in line to make his debut after recovering from his pre-season injury.
Mayo man Dave Heffernan, who captains the team today, keeps his place in the front row, with Peter Dooley and Finlay Bealham flanking him, while Darragh Murray comes into the second row alongside Joe Joyce.
The fit-again Cian Prendergast is named at blindside flanker, with Shamus Hurley-Langton at openside and Sean Jansen at number eight.
Caolin Blade comes in for the injured Matthew Devine at scrum-half, while Jack Carty continues at out-half. A change at centre sees David Hawkshaw start at number 13 alongside Bundee Aki at 12, while John Porch replaces the injured Shane Jennings on the wing. Byron Ralston and Tiernan O’Halloran complete the back three.
The game is sure to be an emotional occasion for the supporters as it will be the last in front of the Clan Stand before its demolition next month. Those in attendance will also get an opportunity to pay tribute to the club’s departing players with a presentation after the game.
Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins commented: “The game will be a momentous occasion between departing players, potential debuts and everything happening with the Clan Stand, but first and foremost it’s a massive game that we have to win.
“Playoff rugby and Champions Cup qualification is what we’ll always aspire to, and now we must produce a performance that shows we deserve to reach that next stage.
“There will be a lot said about the departing players before and after the game, but it’s important to highlight how great it is to include Santi in the match day 23 for the first time. He has shown unbelievable resilience since his injury, and it’s a testament to him and the medical team here that he’s available to us for these last two games at least.
“It’s a 23 I know is capable of delivering a performance and result fitting of the occasion, and I’m sure the thousands of fans in the Clan Stand and around the stadium will be with them for every step of the way.”
The Connacht squad in full is as follows: Tiernan O’Halloran, John Porch, David Hawkshaw, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen.
On the replacements' bench are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Oisín Dowling, Jarrad Butler, Colm Reilly, Cathal Forde, Santiago Cordero.