Connacht are limbering up for their first match of 2024 in a New Year’s Day clash with Munster in the sold-out Sportsground.
Six changes have been made to the matchday 23 from the side which narrowly lost to Ulster in Kingspan Stadium just before Christmas.
Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Joe Joyce, Jarrad Butler, JJ Hanrahan and Cathal Forde all join the starting XV for Monday’s game.
The Interpro clash at the Sportsground is completely sold out, but fortunately, the game will be broadcast live on TG4.
Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins said, “Every interpro is a massive occasion, but a sold-out Sportsground on New Year’s Day will make the game even more special for the 23 we have picked to represent us this week.”
Everyone involved can’t wait to get out there and deliver a big performance for our supporters.”
Caolin Blade captains the side from scrum-half, while the management team have opted for a 6:2 split on the bench.
The fit-again Oisín Dowling is included, as well as Niall Murray and Conor Oliver. Also among the replacements is club captain Jack Carty.
“Munster arrive at the Sportsground as URC champions so we are fully aware of their quality and the challenge that awaits us,” Pete Wilkins said.
“However, we have been steadily improving different aspects of our game over the last few weeks and arrive ourselves with enormous determination to turn around our recent run of results.”
With a capacity crowd expected, supporters are encouraged to travel to the ground in good time and only make their way to the stadium if they have a valid ticket. Gates will be open at 1.30pm.
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS MUNSTER RUGBY
15:00, Monday 1st January 2024 @ The Sportsground
15. Mack Hansen (31)
14. Byron Ralston (25)
13. Cathal Forde (20)
12. Bundee Aki (130)
11. Shayne Bolton (7)
10. JJ Hanrahan (9)
9. Caolin Blade (180) (C)
1. Peter Dooley (26)
2. Dave Heffernan (187)
3. Finlay Bealham (195)
4. Darragh Murray (17)
5. Joe Joyce (8)
6. Cian Prendergast (56)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (28)
8. Jarrad Butler (119)
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (31)
17. Denis Buckley (237)
18. Jack Aungier (58)
19. Niall Murray (64)
20. Oisín Dowling (50)
21. Michael McDonald (2)
22. Jack Carty (201)
23. Conor Oliver (72)
