Ankle Surgery To Keep Buckley Out For Eight Weeks

Following the 25-10 Challenge Cup win over Newcastle Falcons last Friday, Connacht will travel to face their English opponents later this week in the second leg of the back-to-back European fixtures. The Connacht medical team have provided the following update.

Replacement back Dave McSharry suffered a concussion towards the end of last Friday night’s game in Galway. The 25-year-old will go through the return-to-play protocols.

Tiernan O’Halloran, who was in line to captain the side in the round 3 clash with the Falcons, was a late withdrawal with a quad muscle strain. The Clifden man, who signed a new two-year deal with the province this week, will be monitored ahead of the team selection.

Versatile back Matt Healy, who lined out at full-back last week, is nursing a calf haematoma following the game. He will also be monitored closely this week before a decision is made on his involvement.

Denis Buckley’s recovery following an ankle sprain in the historic win away to Munster last month was not progressing as quickly as was expected. The 25-year-old will undergo surgery tomorrow. The loosehead prop is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

Academy prop Saba Meunargia has been registered in the westerners’ European Challenge Cup squad, coming in as a front row substitute for the injured Buckley.

Bundee Aki (ankle) John Muldoon (calf) and Ronan Loughney (lower back) are all nursing niggles and will be monitored this week before a decision is made on their availability.

Scrum half Kieran Marmion will continue to go through the return-to-play protocols this week for concussion sustained in the recent defeat to the Cardiff Blues.