CONNACHT’S MATCHDAY SQUAD has been announced for Saturday’s URC game against Zebre.
Out of the running for a play-of place, the province host Italian opposition in their final fixture of the season at the Sportsground tomorrow (5pm kick-off).
Head coach Andy Friend will already have one eye on the 2022/23 campaign, and his team features a mix of youth and experience.
There is a first start for Dylan Tierney-Martin at hooker, and Sean Masterson and Oran McNulty get the nod at openside flanker and fullback respectively.
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Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham line out alongside Tierney-Martin in the front row, and it’s Gavin Thornbury and Niall Murray in the second row. The back row, meanwhile, is made up of Masterson, his brother Eoghan and Cian Prendergast.
The half-backs are Kieran Marmion and captain Jack Carty, with Tom Daly and Tom Farrell in the centre and Alex Wootton and John Porch on the wings.
Ultan Dillane, Abraham Papali’i and Sammy Arnold are all named on the bench ahead of their departures this summer and may be called upon for one final appearance.
“Even though we missed out on the play-offs we have plenty to play for tomorrow,” said Friend.
Finishing with a 50% win record is important, but more so is finishing on a high at our home ground – both for our playing group and our supporters.
“The likes of Dylan, Sean and Oran all deserve their opportunity tomorrow and I know the departing players involved will savour the experience as well.”
Connacht team v Zebre
15. Oran McNulty
14. John Porch
13. Tom Farrell
12. Tom Daly
11. Alex Wootton
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Matthew Burke
18. Jack Aungier
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Abraham Papali’i
21. Colm Reilly
22. Conor Fitzgerald
23. Sammy Arnold
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Friend picks a blend of youth and experience for Connacht's final game of the season
CONNACHT’S MATCHDAY SQUAD has been announced for Saturday’s URC game against Zebre.
Out of the running for a play-of place, the province host Italian opposition in their final fixture of the season at the Sportsground tomorrow (5pm kick-off).
Head coach Andy Friend will already have one eye on the 2022/23 campaign, and his team features a mix of youth and experience.
There is a first start for Dylan Tierney-Martin at hooker, and Sean Masterson and Oran McNulty get the nod at openside flanker and fullback respectively.
Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham line out alongside Tierney-Martin in the front row, and it’s Gavin Thornbury and Niall Murray in the second row. The back row, meanwhile, is made up of Masterson, his brother Eoghan and Cian Prendergast.
The half-backs are Kieran Marmion and captain Jack Carty, with Tom Daly and Tom Farrell in the centre and Alex Wootton and John Porch on the wings.
Ultan Dillane, Abraham Papali’i and Sammy Arnold are all named on the bench ahead of their departures this summer and may be called upon for one final appearance.
“Even though we missed out on the play-offs we have plenty to play for tomorrow,” said Friend.
“The likes of Dylan, Sean and Oran all deserve their opportunity tomorrow and I know the departing players involved will savour the experience as well.”
Connacht team v Zebre
15. Oran McNulty
14. John Porch
13. Tom Farrell
12. Tom Daly
11. Alex Wootton
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Gavin Thornbury
5. Niall Murray
6. Eoghan Masterson
7. Seán Masterson
8. Cian Prendergast
Replacements
16. Dave Heffernan
17. Matthew Burke
18. Jack Aungier
19. Ultan Dillane
20. Abraham Papali’i
21. Colm Reilly
22. Conor Fitzgerald
23. Sammy Arnold
Get instant updates on your province on The42 app. With Laya Healthcare, official health and wellbeing partner to Leinster, Munster and Connacht Rugby.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Connacht Connacht starting XV Team Team news URC Zebre