Faloon returns for Connacht
The Connacht Eagles will play annual Russian visitors Enisei STM at the Sportsground tomorrow, Saturday April 5th, kick off 2pm.
Head Coach Nigel Carolan has named his side for the friendly encounter with Enisei who will also face Munster ‘A’ next Tuesday as part of their pre-season preparations.
The starting line-up sees Willie Faloon return to openside flanker for the first time since September when he suffered a foot injury that kept him out of action until now. It is hoped that the 27-year-old will be available to feature in Connacht’s PRO12 game against his former club Ulster at Ravenhill next Friday night.
Joining Faloon in the back row is flanker Conor Gilsenan and Mata Fifita at Number 8.
Galwegians’ Hooker Jack Dineen, a member of this year’s sub-Academy, will have two experienced props Ronan Loughney and Nathan White on either side of him.
Academy scrum half Caolin Blade is joined at half back by Miah Nikora who contributed to a thrilling 15 minutes for the senior team at Parc y Scarlets last weekend.
Danie Poolman is a welcome and experienced addition to the Eagles’ back line while club land players Niyi Adeolokun (Dublin University) and Jerome Harimate (Galwegians) will be given a chance to shine at the Sportsground tomorrow afternoon.
Speaking about the game, Eagles Head Coach Nigel Carolan said:
“Tomorrow’s line up is a real mixture of senior, academy and club land players. It’s the Eagles’ last game of the season and a great opportunity for some guys in key positions to get a hit out ahead of the remaining PRO12 games.
“This is the third year in a row we’ve hosted Russian side Enisei and we always look forward to it. They are a hugely physical but also skilful side and the team we’ve put out shows the respect we have for them.
“The Eagles have performed well at home this season and we want to finish off with a win at the Sportsground tomorrow.”
Entry to the Sportsground for Connacht Eagles v Enisei STM is free of charge.
Connacht Eagles Team v Enisei STM
15. Shane Layden
14. Niyi Adeolokun
13. Jerome Harimate
12. Conor Finn
11. Danie Poolman
10. Miah Nikora
9. Caolin Blade
1. Ronan Loughney
2. Jack Dineen
3. Nathan White
4. George Naoupu
5. Danny Qualter
6. Conor Gilsenan
7. Willie Faloon
8. Mata Fifita
Replacements:
16. Peter Reilly
17. Finlay Bealham
18. JP Cooney
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Cian Romaine
21. Mark Dolan
22. Jack Carty
23. Rory Parata
24. Ciarán Gaffney