Connacht Step Up Preparations For Festive Clash With Ulster
The Connacht medical team have issued the following squad update ahead of Saturday’s interprovincial derby against Ulster at the Sportsground (kick-off 7.35pm).
Denis Buckley sustained an ankle injury during last Saturday’s runaway Challenge Cup win over Brive and will see a specialist this week to determine the extent of the injury. Fellow prop Dominic Robertson McCoy is set to return to action in early January following thumb surgery, while JP Cooney will undergo surgery on a hamstring injury today and will be out of action until April.
Andrew Browne is continuing his rehabilitation from Achilles surgery and and will return to action in early January. Joining the players on the sidelines is out-half Steve Crosbie who sustained a knee injury in training last week. He is awaiting the results of a scan to determine to extent of the injury.
Meanwhile, in the back row ranks, Eoin McKeon sustained a calf injury in training last week and will be out of action until the end of January. Jake Heenan is recovering from shoulder surgery and will be out of action until April, while the returning Jarrad Butler will be integrated into team training this week. Sean O’Brien, who is recovering following shoulder surgery, will return to team training in mid January.
Rory Scholes is continuing his recovery following the removal of his appendix and will return in early 2018, with fellow back Cormac Brennan also set to return early next year following shoulder surgery.
Connacht are installing additional temporary terracing in the Sportsground for their festive PRO14 clash with Ulster on Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm). The decision was taken due to the level of ticket sales for the interprovincial derby as many fans travelling home for the Christmas period have already purchased tickets online.
The extended terracing is being installed at both the Bohermore and College Road ends of the Sportsground to facilitate the increased demand.
Adult and juvenile tickets for the additional terracing are on sale immediately and supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment. Gates will be open two hours before kick-off so patrons can arrive early and enjoy the match day experience. Click here to buy your Connacht v Ulster ticket(s).