Oct 10
8
Connacht Rugby announce starting XV
Connacht Rugby have announced their starting XV to face I Cavaleiri Estra in round 1 of their Amlin Challenge Cup campaign. St Marys prop Rob Sweeney makes his debut on the starting XV as does scrum half Cillian Willis and wing Darragh Fanning.
All three have featured in Connacht’s opening salvo of Magners League matches as impact replacements and have been rewarded for their efforts.
Galway natives Johnny O’Connor, Andrew Browne and John Muldoon are included in the strong lineup as Connacht look to replicate last year’s unbeaten pool run. Muldoon returns to the side having recovered from a broken arm sustained during Irelands Summer tour against the All Blacks and O’Connor has been passed fit following a back injury.
Connacht XV to face I Cavalieri Estra – Sat 9th Oct Stadio Lungobisenzio, Prato KO 3.00pm
1 Brett Wilkinson
2 Adrian Flavin
3 Rob Sweeney
4 Michael Swift
5 Bernie Upton
6 Andrew Browne
7 Johnny O’Connor
8 John Muldoon (C)
9 Cillian Willis
10 Ian Keatley
11 Fionn Carr
12 Miah Nikora
13 Niva Ta’auso
14 Darragh Fanning
15 Troy Nathan
Replacements:
16 Dermot Murphy
17 Barry Fa’amausili
18 Ronan Loughney
19 Mike McComish
20 Michael McCarthy
21 Frank Murphy
22 Aidan Wynne
23 Shane Monahan
