Jack Carty: Playing for a Friend and so much more

Saturday see's Connacht take on Cardiff Rugby at The Sportsground in what is a massive game for both clubs with only two games remaining in the BKT United Rugby Championship, kick-off is 7:35pm.

This game will be Connacht's Director of Rugby Andy Friend's final game in charge at home after five season with the province. Club captain Jack Carty spoke about the players attitudes coming into this crunch tie.

"As players every game is a must win but this is our last home game of the season and we have a few players leaving us along with Friendy so we want to send them off in proper fashion"

"We spoke about that sort of stuff earlier in the week but focus then quickly turns to the job in hand and that's Cardiff"

"We need to treat this game just like any other"

"We can't rely on the emotion that this game may bring, we want to push further up the table and to do that we need to win on Saturday"

Connacht currently sit 6th in the league table thanks to their current run of form which has seen them win their last five games in a row in this compeition. 

"I think externally there was a sense of panic after the first three games of the season but we were quietly confident"

"We've been focused on what we needed to do all year and that continues going into these last two games"

It's been a injury hit few weeks for the Roscommon man but he's back fully fit and available for selection this weekend.

"The hamstring has been frustrating as I've never had anything like it before"

"I've done the work needed to get myself ready again and I feel good, ready to go for Saturday"

With a high pressure game Jack spoke about his mindset coming into these types of games.

"Every game at home has been built up as a must win game and the fact that this is our last one probably adds a bit more to it"

"Personally I don't like going into games thinking they have to be must wins but thats how we've built them up and it has worked for us in the past"

Playing at home for the final time this season, Jack is looking forward to seeing and hearing the Connacht support on Saturday.

"We want to see the place packed out on Saturday"

"The fans play such an important role in games, playing at home is an advantage and thats down to the fans"

"These are the type of games where players look to our 24th teammate in the stands and terraces, we look for that lift"

"Our supporters have been unbelievable again this year but this Saturday we as a squad which is players and fans need to raise our levels"

Tickets for Saturday's game HERE

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