Squad named for Bristol friendly

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins has named a 28-man squad to travel to Bristol Bears for their final pre-season friendly tomorrow. 

There are twelve changes from the side that started the win over Glasgow Warriors last weekend at Scotstoun Stadium. Mack Hansen starts his first game since January and Irish internationals Dave Heffernan, captain Cian Prendergast and Caolin Blade return. Josh Ioane played his first game in green last weekend and continues at out half for tomorrow. Shane Jennings was another starter last week and plays again with Andrew Smith joining him on the wing. Hugh Gavin starts at 12 while Piers O'Conor moves from full back to outside centre against his former club.

The pack has been completely changed with Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Oisin Dolwing, Niall Murray, Josh Murphy and Shamus Hurley-Langton all starting.  

Thirteen players are named along the replacements, including Academy players Fiachna Barrett, Sean Naughton and Finn Treacy. 

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS BRISTOL BEARS 

14:00, Friday 13th September 2024 @ Bristol Bears HPC

15. Mack Hansen
14. Shane Jennings
13. Piers O'Conor
12. Hugh Gavin
11. Andrew Smith
10. Josh Ioane
9. Caolin Blade
1. Peter Dooley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Sam Illo
4. Oisin Dowling
5. Niall Murray
6. Josh Murphy
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton
8. Cian Prendergast (C)

Replacements: Denis Buckley, Eoin de Buitlear, Fiachna Barrett, Darragh Murray, David O'Connor, Paul Boyle, Conor Oliver, Sean Jansen, Ben Murphy, Sean Nuaghton, David Hawkshaw, Byron Ralston, Finn Treacy 

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