Eagles’ team named for B&I Cup Round 2

While the senior squad travel to Italy on Heineken Cup duty, the Connacht Eagles welcome Rotherham Titans to the Sportsground for round two of the British & Irish Cup.

Head Coach Nigel Carolan has made a number of changes following his side’s disappointing result against Llanelli RFC last weekend in Wales. His matchday squad for Saturday is made up of a mixture of Senior and Academy players, with eight senior squad members in the starting XV.

The entire back three is changed from last week with Daragh Leader, Fionn Carr and Steve Macauley coming in. Frank Murphy joins up with skipper Jack Carty in the half back pairing.

There is only one change to the pack with Academy Flanker Conor Kindregran promoted from the bench.

Speaking about the upcoming game, Head Coach Nigel Carolan said:

“We’re looking forward to this game against Rotherham. Last week didn’t go well for us and we want to turn that around.

“There were some positive aspects to our game against Llanelli and we’ll be looking to build on those this Saturday in order to be more efficient in our execution.”

Connacht Eagles v Rotherham Titans: Kick-off is at the Sportsground is at 2:30pm on Saturday, October 19^th.

Tickets are just €5 for adults, kids go free and all Connacht Rugby season ticket holders are granted access.

Rotherham Titans

Rotherham Titans have made a bright start to their season having won four out of their first five fixtures. They currently sit in second spot in the Greene King IPA Championship just a point behind last season’s Premiership outfit London Welsh.

Under new Head Coach Lee Blackett, Rotherham have developed an attacking style of rugby that is pleasing on the eye and in just four Championship outings to date have scored 23 tries and have amassed 115 points.

Last time out the Titans opened their British & Irish Cup campaign with a narrow 12-11 victory over fellow Championship outfit Bedford Blues. The game was played in atrocious wet and windy conditions at Clifton Lane, the home of the Titans; with all their points coming from the boot of Juan Pablo Socino.

 Connacht Eagles’ lineup v Rotherham Titans

15           Darragh Leader
14           Fionn Carr
13           Rory Parata
12           Brian Murphy
11           Steve Macauley
10           Jack Carty (captain)
9             Frank Murphy

1              Denis Buckley
2              Dave Heffernan
3              Finlay Bealham
4              Dave Nolan
5              Mick Kearney
6              Conor Kindregran
7              James Connolly
8              Danny Qualter

Replacements (from):

16           James Rael
17           Saba Meunargia
18           Ultane Dillane
19           Eoghan Masterson
20           Marcus Walsh
21           Tadhg Leader
22           David Panter

British & Irish Cup Fixtures

Round 1

Llanelli RFC 76 v 14 Connacht Eagles                        Sat 12th Oct 2012 KO 2pm                            Parc y Scarlets

Round 2

Connacht Eagles v Rotherham Titans                      Sat 19th Oct 2012 KO 2.30pm                      The Sportsground

Round 3

Connacht Eagles v Bedford Blues                             Sat 7th Dec 2012 KO 2.30pm                       The Sportsground

Round 4

Bedford Blues v Connacht Eagles                              Sat 14th Dec 2012 KO 2pm                            Goldington Road

Round 5

Rotherham Titans v Connacht Eagles                       Sat 11th Jan 2013 KO 2pm                             Clifton Lane

Round 6

Connacht Eagles v Llanellii                                          Sat 18th Jan 2013 KO 2pm                        The Sportsground