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Tiernan O’Halloran will start for Connacht in tomorrow’s huge BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with DHL Stormers at Dexcom Stadium (k/o 5.15pm).
The Clifden native will play his final home game for the club after a 15-year career, after announcing his retirement earlier this month.
Jarrad Butler will also play in front of the home support for the final time if called upon, with the former captain named among the replacements. Also on the bench is Argentinian international Santiago Cordero, who is in line to make his debut after recovering from his pre-season injury.
The front-row of Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham is unchanged, while Darragh Murray comes into the second row alongside Joe Joyce. The fit-again Cian Prendergast is named at blindside flanker, with Shamus Hurley-Langton at openside and Sean Jansen at number 8 in a physical-looking back row.
Caolin Blade comes in for the injured Matthew Devine at scrum-half while Jack Carty continues at out-half. A change at centre sees David Hawkshaw start at 13 alongside Bundee Aki, while John Porch replaces the injured Shane Jennings on the wing. The remaining back three of Byron Ralston and Tiernan O’Halloran is unchanged.
The game is sure to be an emotional occasion for the supporters, in what will be the last in front of the Clan Stand before its demolition next month. Those in attendance will also get an opportunity to pay tribute to the club’s departing players with a presentation after the game.
Head Coach Pete Wilkins says:
“The game will be a momentous occasion between departing players, potential debuts and everything happening with the Clan Stand, but first and foremost it’s a massive game that we have to win. Playoff rugby and Champions Cup qualification is what we’ll always aspire to, and now we must produce a performance that shows we deserve to reach that next stage.
There will be a lot said about the departing players before and after the game, but it’s important to highlight how great it is to include Santi in the matchday 23 for the first time. He has shown unbelievable resilience since his injury, and it’s a testament to him and the medical team here that he’s available to us for these last two games at least.
It’s a 23 I know is capable of delivering a performance and result fitting of the occasion, and I’m sure the thousands of fans in the Clan Stand and around the stadium will be with them for every step of the way.”
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS DHL STORMERS
17:05, Saturday 18th May 2024 @ Dexcom Stadium
Number/name/caps (* denotes uncapped)
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (237)
14. John Porch (86)
13. David Hawkshaw (28)
12. Bundee Aki (137)
11. Byron Ralston (29)
10. Jack Carty (210)
9. Caolin Blade (190)
1. Peter Dooley (35)
2. Dave Heffernan (198) (C)
3. Finlay Bealham (202)
4. Joe Joyce (19)
5. Darragh Murray (23)
6. Cian Prendergast (66)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (38)
8. Sean Jansen (6)
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (34)
17. Jordan Duggan (48)
18. Jack Aungier (65)
19. Oisín Dowling (58)
20. Jarrad Butler (128)
21. Colm Reilly (25)
22. Cathal Forde (29)
23. Santiago Cordero *
