Mayo man returns from international squad to take his place in Connacht team

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has included Mayo native Dave Heffernan, just returned from his time with the international squad, in his side for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Vodacom Bulls at Dexcom Stadium (k.o. 5.30 p.m).

Joe Joyce captains the side from the second row, where he’ll play alongside Niall Murray, while Heffernan will take his place in the front row at hooker beside props Denis Buckley and Jack Aungier.

The back row consists of number eight Sean Jansen and flankers Conor Oliver and Josh Murphy following his return from suspension.

In the backs, Jack Carty starts at out-half. with in-form scrum-half Ben Murphy alongside him, while Cathal Forde and Piers O’Conor make up the centre pairing. An exciting back three includes wingers Santiago Cordero and Shayne Bolton, with Shane Jennings named at full-back.

The bench includes Jordan Duggan, who will make his 50th appearance for the club if called upon, and Sam Illo, who has recovered from an injury which has kept him out since the end of September.

Commenting on the match, Wilkins said: “The Bulls will be a massive challenge but one we’re looking forward to. They’ve quality across the field and have that typical South African mix of strength in the forwards and speed in the backs.

“That said, we’ve had a really positive few weeks since our last game and can welcome back a few players from injury and international duty, so we’re in a good spot overall.”

The Connacht starting XV in full is as follows: Shane Jennings, Shayne Bolton, Piers O’Conor, Cathal Forde, Santiago Cordero, Jack Carty, Ben Murphy; Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier, Joe Joyce, Niall Murray, Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver, Sean Jansen.

On the replacements' bench are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade, David Hawkshaw, Shamus Hurley-Langton.