Connacht vs Munster now has a named squad, and Stuart Lancaster has put Cian Prendergast at the center of it for Saturday’s sold-out BKT United Rugby Championship interpro at Dexcom Stadium. The final home game of the season kicks off at 19:45 Irish time on 9 May, with more than 12,000 fans expected.
Connacht enter with more than a home crowd to manage. They have said they have put themselves back in the hunt for a playoff spot, and the result at Dexcom Stadium could have a major say on the final standings before the playoffs.
Cian Prendergast Leads Connacht
Prendergast captains a side that keeps its spine intact for a match with real weight on the standings. Josh Murphy partners Darragh Murray in the second row, while Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean Jansen are selected in the back row.
Dylan Tierney-Martin starts at hooker because Dave Heffernan is ruled out through injury. Josh Ioane returns from his return-to-play protocols to start at out-half, with Ben Murphy alongside him at scrum-half.
Bundee Aki Returns
Bundee Aki is back in the starting XV at inside centre, with Harry West named to partner him in the centres. Shayne Bolton, Shane Jennings and Sam Gilbert complete the back three, giving Connacht a familiar-looking back line for a match they cannot afford to waste.
The starting pack is Billy Bohan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean Jansen. The replacements are Eoin de Buitléar, Peter Dooley, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, Paul Boyle, Matthew Devine, Jack Carty and Seán Naughton.
Jack Carty At Dexcom
Jack Carty is among the replacements, and this will be his final appearance at Dexcom Stadium before retirement. Departing players will be presented to the fans in a short ceremony after the full-time whistle, which adds a sharp edge to a night already loaded with playoff consequences.
Lancaster said, “The importance of this game is not lost on us. We’ve put ourselves back in the hunt for a playoff spot, and now we need to make sure we bring it to the final day and give ourselves a fighting chance. With a sold-out crowd I know our supporters will get behind us and the players are really excited about playing in front of them again. Interpro games always mean a lot and this one is no exception.”
For Connacht, the immediate task is simple: handle Munster, the crowd, and the pressure that comes with a home derby that can still move the table. For supporters, the squad is now set, the stadium is full, and the night ends with one more Dexcom farewell for Carty and the departing group.
