Four players return to Connacht squad for Leinster test
Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has made two changes to his side for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship interpro with Leinster at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium. The game will kick off at 7.35 p.m.
Darragh Murray returns from Emerging Ireland to come into the second row, while David Hawkshaw starts in a rejigged back line.
Mack Hansen misses out due to a minor hip injury, so Hawkshaw starts at outside centre, with Piers O’Conor moving to full-back and Santiago Cordero shifting to the wing.
The experienced front row of Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham is unchanged, with Joe Joyce partnering Murray in the second row. The back row of captain Cian Prendergast, openside flanker Sean O’Brien and number eight Paul Boyle is retained.
Out-halves Ben Murphy and Josh Ioane continue their partnership, Bundee Aki starts at inside centre, and Shayne Bolton moves from the left to right wing.
The bench includes three further players who were named in the Emerging Ireland tour – Jack Aungier, Sean Jansen and Hugh Gavin. If called upon, Gavin will be making his debut for his home province.
Ahead of the game, Connacht Rugby head coach Pete Wilkins said: “Tomorrow is one of the dates in the calendar our squad and supporters most look forward to. Leinster continue to set the benchmark for provincial rugby and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to test ourselves with a sold-out home crowd behind us.
“It’s been a positive start to our URC campaign overall, but tomorrow will demand another step-up from our previous performances and our players are determined to show what they’re capable of. The squad have prepared well this week and everyone is excited about the opportunity ahead.”
The Connacht squad in full is as follows: Piers O’Conor, Shayne Bolton, David Hawkshaw, Bundee Aki, Santiago Cordero, Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast, Sean O’Brien, Paul Boyle.
On the replacements' bench are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Niall Murray, Sean Jansen, Caolin Blade, Cathal Forde, Hugh Gavin.