The Connacht Rugby squad are preparing to face off against Ulster later this afternoon, an important milestone for one player, as Bundee Aki makes his 100th appearance for the province.
The international star first joined Connacht in 2014, and has been a key player for the province ever since.
Aki won accolades in the Guinness PRO12 season of 2015/2016 when he was named the Player of the Season, and helped the team take home their first ever title.
The following year he was a first call-up for the Irish side in the Autumn Internationals, and has made 26 appearances for Ireland in every squad put together since.
For today’s Guinness PRO14 match against Ulster, two other players are making their debut for Connacht, Alex
“It has been almost 6 months since our last game and 2 months since we commenced pre-season training, so we are delighted our return has finally arrived,” Connacht coach Andy Friend said.
“I have been really impressed with how the squad as a group have reacted to the uncertainty of the last few months, and it’s now our opportunity to show that hard work against an opposing team.”
The chosen squad for today’s face off against Ulster has a “neat blend of experience and youth” said Friend, who added they believe this squad can win the fixture.
Connacht and Ulster will meet in their first matching returning to the Guinness PRO14 season in the Aviva Stadium at 4:30pm on Sunday.
The full Connacht side named for the match is:
15. John Porch
14. Peter Sullivan
13. Tom Farrell
12. Bundee Aki
11. Alex Wootton
10. Jack Carty
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Finlay Bealham
4. Ultan Dillane
5. Gavin Thornbury
6. Eoghan Masterson
7. Jarrad Butler (c)
8. Paul Boyle
16. Jonny Murphy
17. Jordan Duggan
18. Jack Aungier
19. Niall Murray
20. Conor Oliver
21. Stephen Kerins
22. Conor Dean
23. Tom Daly
