Ankle Injury Sidelines Prop Loughney
Following Saturday’s defeat to Exeter Chiefs in the European Challenge Cup, the Connacht squad returned to the Sportsground on Monday as attention returns to the GUINNESS PRO12 and the game away to the table-topping Ospreys next Friday.
In terms of casualties arising from the encounter at Sandy Park, prop Ronan Loughney was removed from the pitch on 50 minutes with an ankle injury. The 29-year-old Galway man will undergo a scan on Tuesday but is likely to be sidelined for two to three weeks.
Lock Aly Muldowney presented to Connacht’s medical team with delayed onset concussion symptoms on Monday and will therefore be required to undergo the standard return-to-play protocols this week.
The medical team also confirmed today that backs Matt Healy and Dave McSharry have returned from minor knocks and will be available for the game at Liberty Stadium this Friday night.
Connacht Eagles were also in action over the weekend and Nigel Carolan’s men recorded their first victory in this year’s British & Irish Cup competition with a dramatic 30-27 defeat of London Scottish.
Academy back Ciaran Gaffney suffered concussion during that game and while the Eagles are not in action again until November 29, the 19-year-old will be unavailable to play for Galwegians in next Saturday’s Ulster Bank League Division 1B clash with Ballymena.
Meanwhile, Connacht’s Robbie Henshaw, Kieran Marmion, Darragh Leader, Nathan White and Rodney Ah You will join up with the rest of the Ireland squad at Carton House on Tuesday as preparations pick up for the fast-approaching GUINNESS Series.