Connacht have named their squad for this weekend’s Magners League clash against the Llanelli Scarlets.
With a number of injury concerns after last Saturday’s bonus point win over Newport Gwent Dragons, coach Eric Elwood has included new summer signing Darragh Fanning and Connacht Academy star Shane Conneely in the 25-man squad.
Fanning impressed in the pre-season matches against Harlequins and Saracens and is brought in as cover in the backline.
Conneely has a proven track record for Connacht at U18 & U20 level and the 20-year old versatile back row forward has been rewarded for a good pre-season with inclusion in the senior squad.
Former Queensland Reds no.8 Ezra Taylor has been ruled out of the game after suffering a knock to his knee against the Dragons.
Elwood is expecting a backlash from the Scarlets after they lost against Benetton Treviso last weekend:
“You have to expect a backlash and with our record over there, they will probably be expecting to win,†he said.
“Conversely, we are looking to improve our away form, we have set ourselves a good target for this week, that’s the challenge and we’re looking forward to it.â€
The game between Llanelli Scarlets and Connacht kicks off in Parc y Scarlets on Saturday at 3pm. Â
Connacht Squad to face Scarlets:
Forwards: Ronan Loughney, Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Adrian Flavin, Rob Sweeney, Jamie Hagan, Dave Nolan, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton, Michael McCarthy, Ray Ofisa, Mike McComish, Shane Conneely
Backs: Cillian Willis, Frank Murphy, Miah Nikora, Ian Keatley, Fionn Carr, Keith Matthews, Niva Taauso, Tiernan O’Halloran, Aidan Wynne, Troy Nathan, Gavin Duffy, Darragh Fanning.
