Muldoon Missing From Connacht Squad
Connacht coach Michael Bradley has named a 22-man squad for Saturday’s Magners League derby clash with leaders Leinster at the RDS (kick-off 4.30pm).
Centre Niva Ta’auso, flanker Ray Ofisa and team captain John Muldoon, all of whom are nursing injuries, are notable absentees from the Connacht squad for Saturday’s interprovincial encounter.
Ta’auso suffered a recurrence of a knee injury in the recent 16-3 win over the Dragons, while Muldoon has been ruled out with a groin injury.
Despite missing some of their frontline players, coach Michael Bradley said that his side are looking forward to taking on high-flying Leinster as they aim to build on their win over the Dragons last time out.
“We always look forward to the games against the other Irish provinces and this one is no different as we head into a crucial part of the season,” he said.
“Away matches in the Magners League are difficult for everyone. Leinster are European champions, are playing at home and are on the top of league while we are at the bottom.
“Those are the facts, but we don’t go into matches thinking about historical reasons why we should or shouldn’t win.
“We go into the game with a game-plan and, if we execute it, we are confident we can win it. The fancied team doesn’t always win the match – look at Ireland and Scotland last weekend.”
Meanwhile, Connacht Rugby will host a golf classic on the eve of their big Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final next month.
The golf classic will take place at Galway Bay Golf Club on Friday, April 9, the day before the clash with Bourgoin at the Sportsground.
The golf competition will be a 4-ball stableford, with two scores to count at each hole.
Teams will cost €;400, which will include four tickets for the big match against Bourgoin the following day.
Details are available from Connacht Rugby on tel: 091-561568.
Tickets for the Connacht v Bourgoin match are available to purchase here.
CONNACHT Squad (v Leinster) – Backs (10): Fionn Carr, Gavin Duffy, Ian Keatley, Keith Matthews, Frank Murphy, Troy Nathan, Miah Nikora, Conor O’Loughlin, Brian Tuohy, Aidan Wynne.
Forwards (12): Andrew Browne, Sean Cronin, Adrian Flavin, Jamie Hagan, Mike McCarthy, Mike McComish, Robbie Morris, George Naoupu, Johnny O’Connor, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton, Brett Wilkinson.