Local trio to start for Connacht against Black Lion

Jack Carty and the Murray brothers, Niall and Darragh, have all been named to start for Connacht in their EPCR Challenge Cup clash with Georgian side Black Lion at the Dexcom Stadium tomorrow night (Saturday), kick-off 8pm.

Carty is one of only four players retained from the side which started the defeat to Ospreys last weekend. Hooker Dave Heffernan, number 8 Sean Jansen and new signing Sam Gilbert are the others to hold on to their starting places.

Barrymore native Carty is partnered at half-back by the returning Caolin Blade, while Bridewell brothers Niall and Darragh Murray form the second row partnership.

Connacht allowed a 21-0 lead to slip away against Ospreys as the Welsh outfit battled back for a 24-21 victory in their Challenge Cup opener amid tough conditions in Bridgend.

The replacements include Ballinasloe native Matthew Devine and there is a potential debut for Academy prop Billy Bohan, who is included in a match-day squad for the first time. The squad features several players who have played for Buccaneers in the past.

Black Lion are the first Georgian rugby team to ever play in the Challenge Cup, the second tier competition in European club rugby.

Looking ahead to tomorrow night's game in Galway, Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We’ve quite a number of injuries, and Bundee Aki is on a rest-week after his Ireland duties, but we’re still able to name a strong team filled with players who have plenty of minutes under their belt this season.

"It’s a unique challenge hosting a Georgian side, but it’s one we’re really looking forward to. You know they’re going to be physical so we have to front up in that regard, and then feed off the support of the home crowd when the opportunities arise.”

Connacht team vs Black Lion (Saturday, December 13)

15. Sam Gilbert (2 caps)

14. Chay Mullins (12)

13. Hugh Gavin (12)

12. Cathal Forde (55)

11. Shayne Bolton (30)

10. Jack Carty (223)

9. Caolin Blade (221)

1. Jordan Duggan (67)

2. Dave Heffernan (224)

3. Sam Illo (34)

4. Darragh Murray (43)

5. Niall Murray (84)

6. Paul Boyle (119) (C)

7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (58)

8. Sean Jansen (31).

Replacements: 16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (59), 17. Billy Bohan, 18. Fiachna Barrett (3), 19. Joe Joyce (41), 20. Seán O’Brien (17), 21. Matthew Devine (22). 22. David Hawkshaw (45), 23. Harry West (2).

Unavailable: Bundee Aki, Jack Aungier, Finlay Bealham, Peter Dooley, Oisín Dowling, Mack Hansen, Josh Ioane, Shane Jennings, Temi Lasisi, Oisín McCormack, Seán Naughton, Cian Prendergast, Byron Ralston.