Lions return for Connacht ahead of Bulls clash

October 16, 2025
1243
Ultimate Rugby

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for Friday’s United Rugby Championship meeting with Bulls at Dexcom Stadium (k/o 7.45pm).

Lions Aki, Bealham and Hansen all start
Prendergast captains from openside flanker
Connacht natives Devine, Forde and Naughton as replacement backs

The big news is the return of all three British & Irish Lions, with Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen all named in the starting XV. Aki and Bealham play in their usual inside centre and tighthead prop positions respectively, while Hansen lines out at full-back.

Cian Prendergast again captains the side and moves to openside flanker, with Josh Murphy on the opposite flank and Sean Jansen at number 8. Darragh Murray and David O’Connor make up the second row pairing, while prop Peter Dooley and hooker Dave Heffernan complete the forwards.

In the backs, scrum-half Caolin Blade and out-half Josh Ioane return, as does Byron Ralston at #13 to partner Aki. Completing the side are wingers Shayne Bolton and Chay Mullins.

There’s a 5:3 split on the bench with Connacht natives Matthew Devine, Cathal Forde and Sean Naughton covering the backline.

Missing out due to injury are Denis Buckley (hamstring), Paul Boyle (shoulder) and Shamus Hurley-Langton (shoulder) - with all three to be further evaluated next week – along with longer term absentees Temi Lasisi (knee), Oisín Dowling (knee) and Niall Murray (ankle).

Head coach Stuart Lancaster says:

“The Bulls are a formidable side, with a strong blend of power up front and pace in the back field. They were URC finalists for a reason last year, and we’re expecting a response after their defeat in Ulster last week. With the fans behind us, three returning Lions and a much-improved performance, it should make for a great game.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS BULLS
Friday 17^thOctober, 7.45pm @ Dexcom Stadium

Number/Name/Caps

15. Mack Hansen (41)

14. Chay Mullins (10)

13. Byron Ralson (37)

12. Bundee Aki (151)

11. Shayne Bolton (28)

10. Josh Ioane (15)

9. Caolin Blade (210)

1. Peter Dooley (54)

2. Dave Heffernan (221)

3. Finlay Bealham (219)