Connacht Wait On Harris-Wright Scan
Following Connacht’s 40-point win over Zebre last Friday night, Pat Lam’s squad were back in full training on Monday as they prepare for the second of three back-to-back home games with the Scarlets visiting to the Sportsground this Saturday.
Hooker Jason Harris-Wright was the only major injury concern from the last round of PRO12 action. The 26-year-old was replaced just before the half hour mark after going down at the Sportsground with an injury to his right knee.
An MRI scan is scheduled for Monday evening to determine the extent of the damage and a report will be provided later in the week.
In better news, Michael Swift has returned to full training and is now available for selection. The concussive symptoms of his second row colleague Aly Muldowney have improved and the 31-year-old resumed the full return-to-play protocols today.
Galway man Tiernan O’Halloran has also made good progress following knee scope surgery at the end of October and is on track to resume full training next week.
Meanwhile, back rower Mata Fifita played his first game of rugby this season when he came on for the second half of Buccaneers’ 21-16 Ulster Bank League win over UL Bohemians on Saturday.
After recovering from a heel injury, the Tongan-born forward came through the game and returned to training with the Connacht squad today.
The Connacht Eagles are also in action this week following a five-week break. Nigel Carolan’s young squad will travel to Richmond to face London Scottish, whom they beat 30-27 at the Sportsground in October, in the fourth round of the British & Irish Cup. Kick-off is at 7pm on Saturday, while the senior team take on the Scarlets at the Sportsground a half an hour later.
Of concern to Carolan is Academy prop Jamie Dever who earned his first senior cap against the Ospreys in round 7 of the PRO12.
The Mayo man is suffering from an ongoing right A/C joint problem and is also scheduled for an MRI today but is unlikely to be available to travel with the Eagles this weekend. Back rower James Connolly is also unavailable with a hamstring injury.