Big Mayo interest in Connacht's URC clash with Leinster
Mayo natives Fiachna Barrett and Harry West are in the matchday squad for Connacht's BKT United Rugby Championship interpro away to Leinster at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow (Saturday), which kicks off at 5.30 p.m.
Another Mayo man, Dave Heffernan, misses out through injury, and is one of five changes from the side that started last week’s narrow loss to Ulster.
Dylan Tierney-Martin replaces Heffernan in the hooker role, while Josh Ioane gets the nod at out-half as Jack Carty is also absent due to injury. Ioane forms a new half-back partnership with Matthew Devine.
Elsewhere, David Hawkshaw gets a well-earned start at outside centre and Chay Mullins has returned to full fitness to come on to the right wing.
Otherwise it’s the same as last week, with starts for props Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham, locks Joe Joyce and David O’Connor, and a back row of Josh Murphy, captain Cian Prendergast and Sean Jansen.
Bundee Aki continues at inside centre, while Finn Treacy is on the left wing and Sam Gilbert remains at full-back.
Alongside Barrett and West on the bench is another academy player, Billy Bohan, who will make his URC debut if called upon having been introduced during the Challenge Cup game against Black Lion last month.
Looking ahead to the game, Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “There’s no bigger challenge in the URC than Leinster at the Aviva, and it’s one we’re relishing. You want to test yourselves against the best teams in Europe, so this is a great opportunity to take the learnings of the last few weeks.
“I know from past experience that there’s always a big Connacht crowd in Dublin for these games, so I’m sure they’ll make their voices heard again.”
The Connacht team in full is as follows: Sam Gilbert, Chay Mullins, David Hawkshaw, Bundee Aki, Finn Treacy, Josh Ioane, Matthew Devine; Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, David O’Connor, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast, Sean Jansen. On the bench are: Eoin de Buitlear, Billy Bohan, Fiachna Barrett, Darragh Murray, Paul Boyle, Ben Murphy, Harry West, Cathal Forde.