The Connacht Rugby matchday squad has been named for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the DHL Stormers in Cape Town (k/o 3 pm Irish time).
Cian Prendergast captains the side from blindside flanker, in a back row which sees Conor Oliver and Paul Boyle come into the starting XV. There's a new look second row of Oisín Dowling and Darragh Murray, while in the front row Peter Dooley and Dylan Tierney-Martin also come into the side from last week. Finlay Bealham completes the side as tighthead prop. In the backs, Jack Carty is named at out-half while Ben Murphy continues at number 9. Cathal Forde and David Hawkshaw make up the centre partnership, while the back three sees Shane Jennings and Chay Mullins named on the wings with Piers O'Conor at full-back. The coaching team have opted for a 6:2 split on the bench with Sean Jansen wearing number 23. Of the 29-man travelling squad, Hugh Gavin (hip) and Shayne Bolton (quad) continue to work back to full fitness with the aim of the duo being available for selection next week.
Interim Head Coach Cullie Tucker says: "We've had a good first week in South Africa and are really excited by tomorrow's opportunity. We're only three points off the playoff spots and we've a clear idea of what we need to do to win and how we go about doing it. The Stormers are a very strong side, especially at home, so it's a massive task ahead of us but we're confident in our abilities."
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS STORMERS
3 pm Irish time, Saturday 19th April 2025 @ DHL Stadium
Number/Name/Caps
15. Piers O'Conor (15)
14. Chay Mullins (7)
13. David Hawkshaw (40)
12. Cathal Forde (48)
11. Shane Jennings (21)
10. Jack Carty (218)
9. Ben Murphy (13)
1. Peter Dooley (50)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (54)
3. Finlay Bealham (216)
4. Oisin Dowling (74)
5. Darragh Murray (36)
6. Cian Prendergast (83) Captain
7. Conor Oliver (93)
8. Paul Boyle (112)
16. Dave Heffernan (216)
17. Jordan Duggan (59)
18. Jack Aungier (84)
19. Josh Murphy (35)
20. Joe Joyce (34)
21. Matthew Devine (16)
22. Santiago Cordero (18)
23. Sean Jansen (22)
