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The Connacht Eagles, sponsored by NUI Galway, will play Munster ‘A’ today at Thomond Park today (kick off 15:00).
With the senior team in action in the quarter final of the European Challenge Cup in Gloucester tomorrow night, coaches Jimmy Duffy and Mossy Lawler have named a young team featuring 11 Academy players in the starting XV.
Niyi Adeolokun has returned from injury to take his place in a back three with Shane Layden and Ireland Under-20’s back Ciaran Gaffney.
Conor McKeon has been handed the reigns at outhalf with senior scrumhalf John Cooney returning to Thomond after an appearance from the bench in the PRO12 just five days ago.
Up front, Stephen McVeigh, fresh from the Ireland U20’s 6 Nations campaign, is named in a back row with Marc Kelly and Danny Qualter.
This is the fourth interprovincial game of the season for the Connacht Eagles, after beating the Ulster Ravens in tight games both home and away in addition to celebrating a 17 – 10 win at home to Leinster ‘A’ in January.
Connacht Eagles team to play Munster ‘A’, Thursday 2nd April, the Sportsground, 3pm
15 Ciaran Gaffney
14 Shane Layden
13 Rory Parata
12 Peter Robb
11 Niyi Adeolokun
10 Conor McKeon
9 John Cooney
1 Jacob Walshe
2 Jack Dinneen
3 Saba Meunargia
4 Cian Romaine
5 Ultan Dillane
6 Stephen McVeigh
7 Marc Kelly
8 Danny Qualter
Replacements
16 John Healy
17 Diarmuid Higgins
18 Conan O’Donnell
19 Josh Pim
20 Conor Lowndes
21 Caolin Blade
22 Aidan Moynihan
23 David Panter
Munster ‘A’ v Connacht Eagles
Thomond Park
Thursday 2nd April
Kick off 3pm
