Roux Is Connacht’s Only Change For Toulouse Test
The Connacht team to face Toulouse at the Sportsground in round 1 of the European Champions Cup on Saturday (kick-off 5.35pm) has been named.
Head coach Pat Lam has made just one change to the side that registered a bonus point win over Ulster in the GUINNESS PRO12 seven days ago.
Second row Quinn Roux returns for his third start this season, while his Ireland international colleague Ultan Dillane moves to the bench.
Also among the replacements is Galway man Sean O’Brien who makes a welcome return from injury to be included in his first Connacht matchday squad of the season.
Kieran Marmion, the try-scoring man-of-the-match in Connacht’s famous 2013 away win over Toulouse, has recovered from injury to take his place among the reserve backs.
Commenting on the eagerly-awaited Pool 2 opener, Lam said: “Tomorrow is a big occasion for Connacht Rugby with Champions Cup rugby returning to the Sportsground. While we’re aware of the excitement surrounding the fixture, our focus has been on ensuring our week’s preparation has followed our normal routine of getting better every day.
“With Toulouse having a squad full of quality internationals, it’s vital we bring our team structures and systems to give us a chance of winning. It is important to start well in Europe and the fact that we are at home gives us a massive boost.
“Hopefully as many of our supporters as possible from Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo and Galway can get to the game to create that special Connacht atmosphere. I know it will mean a lot to the boys and it will play a big part in getting us over the line.”
The players currently on the province’s injured/unavailable list are Tom McCartney, Denis Buckley, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Ivan Soroka, Conan O’Donnell, Ben Marshall, Nepia Fox-Matamua, Eoghan Masterson, Rory Moloney, John Cooney, Marnitz Boshoff, Peter Robb, Matt Healy, Josh Rowland, Darragh Leader, Ciaran Gaffney and Cormac Brennan.
CONNACHT (v Toulouse): Tiernan O’Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki, Craig Ronaldson, Cian Kelleher; Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Finlay Bealham, Dave Heffernan, Conor Carey, Quinn Roux, Andrew Browne, Eoin McKeon, Jake Heenan, John Muldoon (capt).
Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Ronan Loughney, JP Cooney, Ultan Dillane, Sean O’Brien, Kieran Marmion, Shane O’Leary, Stacey Ili.