Prendergast returns for Connacht against Sharks

April 02, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for tomorrow’s EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash with Hollywoodbets Sharks at Dexcom Stadium (k/o 8.00pm).

Cian Prendergast returns from a down-week to captain the side from the number 8 jersey, with Josh Murphy and Shamus Hurley-Langton making up the rest of the back row.

Joe Joyce comes back into the side to partner Darragh Murray in the second row, while there are starts for props Billy Bohan and Sam Illo, with hooker Dave Heffernan retained.

Matthew Devine starts at scrum-half after his try-scoring cameo off the bench last week, with Josh Ioane alongside him. The final two changes see Chay Mullins replace the injured Finn Treacy on the left wing, and Sam Gilbert start at full-back having missed the last two games through injury.

Bundee Aki and Cathal Forde continue at centre, and right winger Shane Jennings completes the side.

The coaching team have returned to a 5:3 split on the bench, which includes Lion Finlay Bealham and Academy graduate backs Colm Reilly, Sean Naughton and John Devine.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster says:

“Tomorrow is a change of focus for us but one we’re really looking forward to. There’s always an edge to knockout rugby, especially against a South African side like the Sharks who have x-factor quality across the pitch and a new and motivated coaching team.

The support of the fans has played a big part in this winning run we’ve been on, so I’m sure we’ll see more of that brilliant support again tomorrow as we aim to go deep in the competition.”

Number/Name/Caps

15. Sam Gilbert (12)

14. Shane Jennings (32)

13. Cathal Forde (68)

12. Bundee Aki (161)

11. Chay Mullins (17)

10. Josh Ioane (28)

9. Matthew Devine (28)

1. Billy Bohan (8)

2. Dave Heffernan (230)

3. Sam Illo (43)

4. Joe Joyce (51)