Connacht Rugby v DHL Stormers

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday 23 for tomorrow’s BKT United Rugby Championship season opener with DHL Stormers at Dexcom Stadium (k/o 7.45pm).

After missing over 11 months of action, long-term absentee Mack Hansen is named to start, having come through pre-season without issue.

The other big news is the inclusion of loosehead prop Francois van Wyk who will make his Connacht debut, while Academy back rower Max Flynn will also make his debut if called upon, with the Galway native included among the replacements.

Paul Boyle captains the side from number 8, with flankers Sean O’Brien and Shamus Hurley-Langton alongside him.

Van Wyk is named in a front row of Eoin de Buitléar and Finlay Bealham, while Niall Murray and Josh Murphy form the second row pairing.

In the backs, Ben Murphy and Josh Ioane form the 9-10 combo, while Cathal Forde starts at inside centre having recovered from the injury that kept him out of the end of last season.

Outside centre John Devine, winger Finn Treacy and full-back Sam Gilbert complete the side.

Commenting on his team selection, Stuart Lancaster says:

“It’s great to finally get the season going after a long but positive pre-season. We feel like we’ve prepared well and now we’re looking forward to putting our best foot forward in front of our home supporters.

Mack’s inclusion is obviously a big boost, and it’ll be a proud day for Francois and Max too. We’re missing a good few through Irish selection and injury but it’s a strong 23, who we know will have to front up physically against what we’re expecting to be a strong Stormers side, who are well coached and have a good mix of power and pace.”

Connacht Rugby v DHL Stormers
Friday 25th September, 19:45 @ Dexcom Stadium

Number/Name/Caps

15. Sam Gilbert (19)
14. Mack Hansen (42)
13. John Devine (8)
12. Cathal Forde (71)
11. Finn Treacy (19)
10. Josh Ioane (32)
9. Ben Murphy (36)
1. Francois van Wyk *
2. Eoin de Buitléar (23)
3. Finlay Bealham (232)
4. Niall Murray (94)
5. Josh Murphy (62)
6. Sean O’Brien (30)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (67)
8. Paul Boyle (138)

16. Matthew Victory (8)
17. Jordan Duggan (73)
18. Fiachna Barrett (10)
19. David O’Connor (21)
20. Max Flynn *
21. Caolin Blade (221)
22. Sean Naughton (19)
23. Shayne Bolton (39)