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Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for tomorrow’s pivotal BKT United Rugby Championship interpro with Munster at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium (k/o 7.45pm Irish time).
Over 12,000 fans are expected for the final home game of the season, which will have a major say on the final standings ahead of the playoffs.
Cian Prendergast captains the side in a strong-looking back row with Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean Jansen, while Josh Murphy is selected to partner Darragh Murray in the second row. The back is completed by props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, while Dylan Tierney-Martin starts at hooker with Dave Heffernan ruled out through injury.
Josh Ioane returns from his return-to-play protocols to start at out-half, with Ben Murphy alongside him. Bundee Aki comes back into the starting XV at inside centre, where he’ll be partnered by Harry West. Wingers Shayne Bolton and Shane Jennings, and full-back Sam Gilbert, completes the side.
Jack Carty is named among the replacements, in what will be his final appearance at Dexcom Stadium before retirement.
As is tradition the departing players will be presented to the fans in a short ceremony after the full-time whistle.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster says:
“The importance of this game is not lost on us. We’ve put ourselves back in the hunt for a playoff spot, and now we need to make sure we bring it to the final day and give ourselves a fighting chance. With a sold-out crowd I know our supporters will get behind us and the players are really excited about playing in front of them again. Interpro games always mean a lot and this one is no exception.”
Connacht Rugby vs Munster Rugby
Saturday 9th May, 19:45 @ Dexcom Stadium
Number/Name/Caps
15. Sam Gilbert (16)
14. Shane Jennings (34)
13. Harry West (11)
12. Bundee Aki (163)
11. Shayne Bolton (35)
10. Josh Ioane (29)
9. Ben Murphy (33)
1. Billy Bohan (12)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (74)
3. Sam Illo (46)
4. Darragh Murray (57)
5. Josh Murphy (59)
6. Cian Prendergast (102) (C)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (64)
8. Sean Jansen (44)
16. Eoin de Buitléar (21)
17. Peter Dooley (64)
18. Finlay Bealham (229)
19. Joe Joyce (54)
20. Paul Boyle (135)
21. Matthew Devine (31)
22. Jack Carty (234)
23. Seán Naughton (16)
