By:
Conor Martin
Connacht have named their squad for Saturday’s blockbuster United Rugby Championship clash with Leinster at a sold-out Dexcom Stadium.
The fixture will also see the official opening of the New Clan Stand, and over 12,000 fans are expected, a record attendance for the province. Spanning three floors, the stand boasts modern seating, standing areas, and hospitality facilities, giving supporters a first-class matchday experience and raising the profile of Connacht Rugby’s home turf.
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Stuart Lancaster’s side have made just three changes for URC Leinster clash
Stuart Lancaster has kept faith with the team that ran Montauban ragged last week, making just three changes. Two of those come in the half-backs, where Caolin Blade returns from injury to partner Josh Ioane at scrum-half and fly-half, bringing creativity and control to the game.
Dylan Tierney-Martin comes in at hooker after Dave Heffernan was sidelined by injury, injecting energy into the front row.
Cian Prendergast leads from blindside flanker, anchoring a powerful back row alongside Paul Boyle and Sean Jansen. Josh Murphy and Darragh Murray form a solid second row, while Academy prop Billy Bohan starts alongside Tierney-Martin and Sam Illo, blending youth and strength in the front five.
In the backline, Cathal Forde and Harry West retain their centre spots following eye-catching Challenge Cup performances. Finn Treacy and Shane Jennings continue on the wings, with Sam Gilbert at full-back, creating a back three capable of turning opportunities into points.
Experience runs deep on the bench, with Denis Buckley, Jack Carty, and Bundee Aki all ready to influence proceedings. This mix of proven quality and youthful energy gives Connacht the balance to challenge a strong Leinster side while maintaining flexibility across the pitch.
Tomorrow’s game is turning into a celebration of Connacht’s growth and ambition. With a record crowd, the new stand, and a confident squad, fans can expect intensity, tactical precision, and standout performances from every corner of the pitch.
It’s a night of milestones, firsts, and momentum. Lancaster’s side is ready to make it a night to remember, delivering a performance that reflects Connacht Rugby’s ambition, skill, and sheer determination in front of their passionate home crowd as they look to beat a Leinster side that has named an extremely strong team.
Connacht team to play Leinster:
Connacht: Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, Harry West, Cathal Forde, Finn Treacy, Josh Ioane, Caolin Blade, Billy Bohan, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Sam Illo, Josh Murphy, Darragh Murray, Cian Prendergast, Paul Boyle, Sean Jansen
Replacements: Eoin de Buitléar, Denis Buckley, Jack Aungier, Joe Joyce, Sean O’Brien, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, Bundee Aki
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