Connacht’s Clarke Sidelined For ‘A Number Of Weeks’
It is back to the RaboDirect PRO12 this week as the Connacht squad prepare to travel to Scotland to take on Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 2pm).
The Connacht Eagles team are also in action this week, welcoming Munster ‘A’ to the Sportsground for a Friday afternoon kick-off (2.30pm).
There was a week’s break for the westerners following the disappointing Heineken Cup game against Saracens which allowed the squad some much-needed rest and recuperation.
However, there are still a number of injury concerns ahead of this week’s league match.
It was announced to the media yesterday that Craig Clarke will be unavailable to play for an unspecified number of weeks.
The 31-year-old New Zealander, who has been the province’s regular captain this season, sustained a concussion against Saracens at Allianz Park and will be taking some time out due to the recurring nature of his injury.
Front rowers Brett Wilkinson and Sean Henry have both been ruled out for at least four weeks due to neck injuries aggravated in the last game.
Flanker Aaron Conneely, who last played for the Eagles in their victory over Llanelli in the British & Irish Cup, suffered an ankle injury in training last week and is unavailable to play for up to six weeks.
In better news, Pat Lam’s backs division has been boosted by the return to training of Miah Nikora, David McSharry and Danie Poolman.
Both Poolman and McSharry have played in seven games each this season, while Nikora has been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in pre-season. It is hoped that the trio will be available to play in either the PRO12 or ‘A’ interprovincial fixture this week.
While Robbie Henshaw remains on international duty with Ireland, Kieran Marmion and Rodney Ah You returned to Connacht training yesterday and are both available for selection this week.