The squad representing Connacht Rugby has been named for Sunday’s Heineken Champions Cup opener against Stade Francais at The Sportsground (k/o 1.00pm).
There are five changes in all from the side that faced Leinster last weekend, with four of those in the forwards.
Shane Delahunt comes into the starting XV, forming a front row with props Matthew Burke and Finlay Bealham. There’s a new look second row of Oisín Dowling and Niall Murray, while Cian Prendergast is also named in the squad, starting at blindside flanker with Conor Oliver and number 8 Jarrad Butler alongside him.
The final change is at centre where Shayne Bolton comes back into the side, starting at number 13 with Sammy Arnold on the inside. The rest of the backs is unchanged with Kieran Marmion alongside captain Jack Carty, and a back three of wingers Mack Hansen and Alex Wootton, and full-back Oran McNulty.
Head Coach Andy Friend is excited by the impending return of Heineken Champions Cup rugby in front of spectators:
“Sunday is the start of a really exciting opportunity for us to make an impact in the Champions Cup. Knockout rugby in the competition is the aim so a win this weekend is vital if we want to get there, albeit against a very strong Stade Francais team. There’s been some special occasions at our home in this competition so with a strong Sportsground crowd behind us it’s set up to be a great occasion”.
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS STADE FRANCAIS
Sunday 12th December, The Sportsground @ 13:00
Number/Name/Caps
15. Oran McNulty (4)
14. Alex Wootton (24)
13. Shayne Bolton (1)
12. Sammy Arnold (22)
11. Mack Hansen (7)
10. Jack Carty (166) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (193)
1. Matthew Burke (30)
2. Shane Delahunt (107)
3. Finlay Bealham (166)
4. Oisín Dowling (12)
5. Niall Murray (22)
6. Cian Prendergast (15)
7. Conor Oliver (27)
8. Jarrad Butler (80)
Replacements
16. Dave Heffernan (151)
17. Jordan Duggan (19)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (69)
19. Leva Fifita (3)
20. Seán Masterson (14)
21. Caolin Blade (137)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (41)
23. Tom Farrell (66)
