Connacht and Leinster teams named for PRO14 games

Pictured above: Bundee Aki in action for Connacht. Photo: Connacht Rugby/INPHO.

Irish international Bundee Aki will make his 100th appearance for Connacht on Sunday - while Jack Carty has also been named in the Connacht team for the PRO14 clash against Ulster.

The western province will face Ulster in Sunday's PRO14 rugby clash at the Aviva Stadium (kick-off 4.30pm).

Meanwhile, Robbie Henshaw has been named in the Leinster team to face old rivals Munster on Saturday (7.35pm).

Aki joined Connacht in 2014 and has gone on to play a central role in the province’s fortunes since then. He was named Guinness PRO12 Player of the Season in 2015/16, the same year he helped the team to their first ever title.

His form was rewarded with a first call-up to the Ireland squad in 2017. He has been an ever-present member of the squad since then, making 26 appearances and starting every game in the 2018 Grand Slam success.

Elsewhere, at least two players will make their Connacht debuts on Sunday with Alex Wootton and Academy graduate Peter Sullivan both named on the wings.

Three more players could make their Connacht debuts off the bench, with props Jordan Duggan and Jack Aungier, and back row Conor Oliver all included. Niall Murray from Brideswell is also listed among the replacements.

Irish internationals Kieran Marmion and Athlone's Jack Carty form a formidable half-back partnership.

In the forwards there’s a return to action for prop Finlay Bealham after sustaining a serious injury against Edinburgh in February, and he makes up an experienced front row with Denis Buckley and hooker Dave Heffernan.

Connacht head coach Andy Friend says there’s huge excitement about returning to action.

“It has been almost six months since our last game and two months since we commenced pre-season training, so we are delighted our return has finally arrived. I have been really impressed with how the squad as a group have reacted to the uncertainty of the last few months, and it’s now our opportunity to show that hard work against an opposing team.”

Commenting on his team selection, Friend added: “We have a neat blend of experience and youth, with the potential of five new debutants for Connacht, along with Bundee making his 100th appearance. It’s therefore a special occasion in many ways, and we intend to put out a performance that warrants that.”

In the Leinster match against Munster, Coosan native Robbie Henshaw will be partnered in the centre by Garry Ringrose.

The Leinster team will be captained by hugely experienced out-half Johnny Sexton. It will be Jack Conan's first game for Leinster this season, having recovered from an ankle injury picked up at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Connacht team v Ulster

15. John Porch

14. Peter Sullivan

13. Tom Farrell

12. Bundee Aki

11. Alex Wootton

10. Jack Carty

9. Kieran Marmion

1. Denis Buckley

2. Dave Heffernan

3. Finlay Bealham

4. Ultan Dillane

5. Gavin Thornbury

6. Eoghan Masterson

7. Jarrad Butler (captain)

8. Paul Boyle

Replacements

16. Jonny Murphy

17. Jordan Duggan

18. Jack Aungier

19. Niall Murray

20. Conor Oliver

21. Stephen Kerins

22. Conor Dean

23. Tom Daly

Leinster team v Munster

15. Jordan Larmour

14. Dave Kearney

13. Garry Ringrose

12. Robbie Henshaw

11. James Lowe (43)

10. Johnny Sexton (captain)

9. Luke McGrath

1. Cian Healy

2. Rónan Kelleher

3. Andrew Porter

4. Ryan Baird

5. Scott Fardy

6. Caelan Doris

7. Josh van der Flier

8. Jack Conan

Replacements

16. Seán Cronin

17. Ed Byrne

18. Michael Bent

19. Devin Toner

20. Will Connors

21. Jamison Gibson-Park

22. Ross Byrne

23. Max Deegan