Connacht squad named for Challenge Cup opener with Newcastle Falcons

December 09, 2022
1597
Ultimate Rugby

The Connacht management team have selected their squad for tomorrow’s EPCR Challenge Cup fixture against Newcastle Falcons at The Sportsground (k/o 5.30pm).

Adam Byrne is handed his first Connacht start on the wing, in a back three that also contains Diarmuid Kilgallen and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran.

There’s a new-look centre pairing of Cathal Forde and Tom Daly, while David Hawkshaw is handed a start at out-half with Caolin Blade for company to complete the backs.

There’s a new front row of Peter Dooley, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Jack Aungier, while Josh Murphy and Niall Murray are paired together in the second row. Paul Boyle keeps his place at number 8 after his Player of the Match performance against Benetton, with captain Jarrad Butler and Shamus Hurley-Langton named on the flanks.

On the bench there’s a potential debut for Ballinasloe flanker Oisín McCormack, who has come through the ranks with Garbally College, Ballinsloe RFC and Buccaneers RFC.

Commenting on the team selection, Director of Rugby Andy Friend says:

"Challenge Cup rugby is a different challenge but one we’re really looking forward to. We’ve been clear from the start that we’ll be using these games to give some players a chance to impress, so this is a great opportunity to test our increasing depth across the squad.

Our target is to reach the knockout stages and see what happens from there. As is always the case in Europe it’s vital you win your home games so with the crowd behind us on Saturday we hope to get another win and keep building momentum."

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS NEWCASTLE FALCONS

Saturday 10th December, 17:30 @ The Sportsground

Number/Name/Caps

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (210)

14. Adam Byrne (1)
13. Tom Daly (66)
12. Cathal Forde (3)
11. Diarmuid Kilgallen (9)
10. David Hawkshaw (7)

9. Caolin Blade (156)
1. Peter Dooley (7)

2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (11)
3. Jack Aungier (40)
4. Josh Murphy (6)
5. Niall Murray (42)

6. Jarrad Butler (102) (C)

7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (6)

8. Paul Boyle (81)

Replacements

16. Shane Delahunt (118)