Disappointing Injury News For Connacht

As attention turns back to the European Challenge Cup, the Connacht medical team have provided the following update. Unfortunately, last Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 defeat to Cardiff Blues proved particularly costly with Eoin McKeon, Darragh Leader and Quinn Roux all set for spells on the sidelines.

Craig Ronaldson was concussed during the first half of Friday’s game against Cardiff Blues. He will undergo the normal return-to-play protocols.

Replacement scrum half Kieran Marmion was concussed at the start of the second half on Friday night and will undergo the return-to-play protocols.  

Try scorer Ian Porter suffered an ankle ligament sprain but the injury has settled well in past 24 hours. It is hoped that the scrum half will be available for this Friday’s European Challenge Cup clash with Newcastle Falcons at the Sportsground (kick-off 7.45pm).

Try scorer Eoin McKeon sustained an elbow medial ligament tear. While the Galway man does not require surgery, he is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.

Darragh Leader fractured the second metacarpal in his hand. He is awaiting surgical review but is expected to be sidelined for two months. 

Second row Quinn Roux sustained a ruptured ankle syndesmosis in Cardiff. The South African is awaiting surgical review today but is expected to be out of action for up to three months.

Bundee Aki (ankle), captain John Muldoon (calf) and Ronan Loughney (back) all sat out training today and there is a question mark over their availability for this week.

Ben Marshall re-fractured his forearm in training last week. The 25-year-old second row, who returned to play for Connacht Eagles last month, underwent surgery last Thursday but is now facing another three months on the sidelines.

Andrew Browne (hand laceration) and Danie Poolman (hamstring) are both training this week and are hopeful returnees for this week’s round 3 date with Newcastle in Galway.