Connacht name team to play Montpellier

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for Sunday's EPCR Challenge Cup meeting away to Montpellier at Septeo Stadium (k/o 1pm Irish time).

Cian Prendergast captains the side from blindside flanker, and is one of seven players retained from the starting team against Leinster, along with Dylan Tierney-Martin, Josh Murphy, Sean Jansen, Josh Ioane, Finn Treacy and Sam Gilbert.

In the pack there’s a first start for Academy loosehead prop Billy Bohan – following two replacement appearances – while Sam Illo starts at tighthead. Darragh Murray partners Murphy in the second row, while Paul Boyle comes into the team at openside flanker.

Ben Murphy starts at scrum-half, while there’s a new look centre partnership of Cathal Forde and Harry West. The final change is the inclusion of Shane Jennings on the right wing.

On the bench there is the potential of three new debutants. Academy year 2 hooker Matthew Victory and year 1 scrum-half Albert Lindner are both included in the squad for the first time, as is centre John Devine who signed a first Pro contract last summer.

Also included is replacement prop Peter Dooley, who has recovered from injury and is in line for his first appearance since Munster at the end of October.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster says:

"This weekend is another exciting challenge. Montpellier are a strong side in a good run of form. We have some injuries, but that creates opportunities and we are looking forward to seeing how the team perform as as we aim to qualify for the last 16.

Sam gets a deserved chance at tighthead. Finlay picked up a knock last week and with Jack back soon it is a great chance for him. At 9 Matt Devine is going through the return to play protocols and with Caolin and Colm returning soon, it is a great opportunity for Albert who has impressed in training with the Senior team. Matthew Victory, John Devine and Sean Walsh are all exciting prospects and they will gain massive experience from their selection in the matchday 23, especially a European fixture in France in front of what we’re expecting will be a hostile crowd.

It’s great to welcome Peter Dooley back after over 2 months out, and we’re expecting a number of players to return next week which will be welcome ahead of the Leinster game in two weeks.”

Montpellier Hérault Rugby v Connacht Rugby
Sunday 11th January 2026, 13:00 Irish time @ Septeo Stadium

Number/Name/Caps (* denotes uncapped)
15. Sam Gilbert (6)
14. Shane Jennings (24)
13. Harry West (4)
12. Cathal Forde (60)
11. Finn Treacy (13)
10. Josh Ioane (21)
9. Ben Murphy (24)
1. Billy Bohan (2)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (64)
3. Sam Illo (37)
4. Darragh Murray (48)
5. Josh Murphy (48)
6. Cian Prendergast (93) (C)
7. Paul Boyle (123)
8. Sean Jansen (35)

16. Matthew Victory *
17. Peter Dooley (56)
18. Fiachna Barrett (6)
19. Niall Murray (88)
20. Sean O'Brien (21)
21. Albert Lindner *
22. Sean Walsh (1)
23. John Devine *