Lawler Names First Connacht Eagles Team
The Connacht Eagles team will launch their British & Irish Cup campaign with a home game against Cornish Pirates on Sunday afternoon at the Sportsground (kick-off 2.30pm).
New Connacht Eagles head coach Mossy Lawler has named a side that features a mixture of senior, Academy and club players from the province.
Eoin Griffin and Rory Parata have both returned from injury to start in the back-line with Galway man Griffin handed the captaincy for this Pool 3 opener.
Up front, lock James Cannon, who recently signed with the senior side from Wasps, will get his first run-out in a Connacht jersey, partnering Daniel Qualter in the second row.
Commenting on the Eagles’ first B&I Cup match, former Munster back Lawler said: “We’re excited to give guys an opportunity tomorrow with a tough game against Cornish Pirates. As always with the Eagles, there is limited preparation time together as a unit and a real mix of experience but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.
“While we want to do well in the competition, the focus is on team performance and how individuals can execute in a pressure situation.”
Entry is free for all Connacht Rugby Season Ticket Holders. Under-12s are also free while it is just €;5 for all other entry available at the gate.
CONNACHT EAGLES (v Cornish Pirates): Danie Poolman; Rory Parata, Stacey Ili, Eoin Griffin (capt), Ed O’Keeffe; Mitch Lam, Stephen Kerins; Jason East, Jack Dinneen, Saba Meunargia, James Cannon, Daniel Qualter, Marc Kelly, James Connolly, Stephen McVeigh.
Replacements: Pat O’Toole, Cronan Gleeson, Sean Masterson, Josh Pim, Conor McKeon, Luke Carty, Jordan Conroy.