Fit-Again Riordan Returns For Connacht
Full-back-cum-centre Danny Riordan has been included in the Connacht squad for Friday’s European Challenge Cup Pool 3 clash with Newcastle Falcons (The Sportsground, kick-off 6.30pm).
Riordan had to withdraw from the squad for last week’s Magners League game against Glasgow Warriors due to a quad muscle injury.
But the 23-year-old is back to full fitness and will be hoping to add to the hat-trick of tries he scored in Connacht’s last European outing – their 75-8 thrashing of Spanish side Cetransa El Salvador in Galway last month.
Riordan, who has scored seven tries in his last seven starts in Europe, has been added to the westerners’ 22-man squad which saw off Glasgow 10-6 last Friday night.
Connacht coach Michael Bradley will announce his team and replacements for the Falcons’ tie on Thursday. He has some interesting selection issues to iron out, particularly at half-back where Andy Dunne and Conor O’Loughlin could retain their places ahead of Tim Donnelly and Conor McPhillips.
CONNACHT Squad (v Newcastle Falcons): Backs (11) – Mel Deane, Tim Donnelly, Gavin Duffy, Andy Dunne, Conor McPhillips, Matt Mostyn, Conor O’Loughlin, Danny Riordan, Ofisa Treviranus, Aidan Wynne, Darren Yapp.
Forwards (12) – Andrew Farley (capt), Adrian Flavin, John Fogarty, David Gannon, Ronan Loughney, Michael McCarthy, Robbie Morris, John Muldoon, Johnny O’Connor, Ray Ofisa, Michael Swift, Brett Wilkinson.