Mayo man in line for URC debut

Stuart Lancaster’s first competitive game in charge of Connacht has seen the former England and Leinster head coach select Geesala native Fiachna Barrett among the replacements.

Barrett, formerly of Ballina RFC, is still part of the Connacht Academy but Lancaster has shown his faith in the Mayo powerhouse who could well make his URC debut off the bench in Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship season opener against Benetton.

The match at the Dexcom Stadium (7.45pm) is a complete sell-out.

Paul Boyle will captain the side in what will be the blindside flanker's 117th appearance for the province, while there’s a first Connacht start for Galway native Sean Naughton who lines out at full-back.

Alongside Boyle in the back row are Shamus Hurley-Langton with Sean Jansen at number 8. Niall Murray and Josh Murphy make up the second row partnership while props Peter Dooley and Sam Illo, and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin, complete the pack..

The aforementioned Naughton makes up a back three with wingers Chay Mullins and Irish international Shayne Bolton, while Cathal Forde and Byron Ralston form the centre pairing. Completing the side is scrum-half Caolin Blade and out-half Josh Ioane.

Joining Fiachna Barrett among the replacements is Ballina’s Dave Heffernan who will be looking to add to his 219 caps for Connacht.

“It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us,” said head coach Stuart Lancaster.

“I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the players and backroom staff, and we had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport, so I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running on Saturday night.”