An inside centre with a growing reputation, KEITH MATTHEWS is a pacy and powerful ball carrier who has become a vital cog in the Connacht machine.

The Limerick man, who made his mark with UL Bohemians and the Irish underage sides, has been a regular member of Ireland 'A' squads over the past year.

He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in 2007 but is now back in a rich vein of form and challenging for Test recognition, after his last appearance in an Irish jersey against Scotland 'A' in February.