Team Announcement Connacht Vs Leinster

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday 23 for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship interpro against Leinster at Dexcom Stadium.

Roscommon native Niall Murray is due to make his 100th appearance for his home province, with the lock named among the replacements.

The coaching team have made a number of changes from the side that beat Zebre last week, with Finlay Bealham, Paul Boyle and Cathal Forde the only players retained.

Boyle captains the side at number 8 alongside flankers Sean O’Brien and Will Connors who makes his first start for the club. There’s an all-new second row of Josh Murphy and David O’Connor, while an experienced front row of Francois van Wyk, Dave Heffernan and Bealham completes the pack.

There’s a new combo at 9 and 10, with Caolin Blade alongside Seán Naughton who starts his first game of the season.

Harry West misses out through injury so John Devine starts at #13 alongside Forde, and there’s a new-look back three of wingers Shayne Bolton and academy prospect Daniel Ryan, and Josh Ioane at full-back.

Commenting on his team selection, Stuart Lancaster says:

“Tomorrow is a big day for a few reasons, but above all else it’s a great opportunity to finish the block on a high. We know what’s at stake and the challenge ahead of us, but I can see the progress we’re making each week, and having 12,000 Connacht fans behind us will be a big boost too.

We’ve 13 players unavailable between internationals and injury, but we’ve put a big emphasise on building squad depth particularly for occasions like this. For a few players it’ll be their first experience of an interpro, but I know they will give their all in what I am sure will be another amazing atmosphere.”

Connacht Rugby v Leinster Rugby
Friday 30th October, 19:45 @ Dexcom Stadium

Number/Name/Caps

15. Josh Ioane (36)
14. Shayne Bolton (40)
13. John Devine (10)
12. Cathal Forde (76)
11. Daniel Ryan (3)
10. Sean Naughton (22)
9. Caolin Blade (221)
1. Francois van Wyk (4)
2. Dave Heffernan (234)
3. Finlay Bealham (234)
4. Josh Murphy (66)
5. David O’Connor (24)
6. Sean O’Brien (33)
7. Will Connors (1)
8. Paul Boyle (142) (C)

16. Matthew Victory (12)
17. Jerry Cahir (1)
18. Fiachna Barrett (11)
19. Niall Murray (99)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (70)
21. Colm Reilly (39)
22. Finn Treacy (23)
23. Sam Gilbert (24)