Six changes for Connacht ahead of Lions clash

• Six changes from side that played Stormers
• Bolton returns from injury to start on right wing
• Forde to make 50th appearance for home province

The Connacht Rugby matchday squad has been named for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with Emirates Lions in Johannesburg (k/o 3pm). 

There are six changes from the side that played the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend. Shayne Bolton has recovered from injury to start on the right wing in his native country, while hooker Dave Heffernan, locks Josh Murphy and Joe Joyce, number 8 Sean Jansen and scrum-half Matthew Devine also come into the side. 

Heffernan lines out alongside Peter Dooley and Finlay Bealham in the front row, while captain Cian Prendergast and openside flanker Conor Oliver complete the pack. 

Jack Carty continues at out-half, as does the centre pairing of Cathal Forde and David Hawkshaw. Shane Jennings is named on the left wing, while Piers O’Conor continues at full-back. 

The bench sees the return of Hugh Gavin after missing last week through injury, as well as Eoin de Buitléar after over two months out following thumb surgery. 

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS EMIRATES LIONS 
15:00, Saturday 26th April 2025 @ Emirates Airline Park  

Number/Name/Caps 

15. Piers O’Conor (16)
14. Shayne Bolton (23)
13. David Hawkshaw (41)
12. Cathal Forde (49)
11. Shane Jennings (22)
10. Jack Carty (219)
9. Matthew Devine (17)
1. Peter Dooley (51)
2. Dave Heffernan (217)
3. Finlay Bealham (217)
4. Josh Murphy (36)
5. Joe Joyce (35)
6. Cian Prendergast (84) Captain
7. Conor Oliver (94)
8. Sean Jansen (23)

16. Eoin de Buitléar (12)
17. Jordan Duggan (60)
18. Sam Illo (30)
19. Oisín Dowling (75)
20. Paul Boyle (113)
21. Colm Reilly (27)
22. Hugh Gavin (8)
23. Santiago Cordero (19)