Following Connacht’s 40-point win over Zebre on Friday night, Pat Lam’s squad were back to full training on Monday as they prepare for the second of three back-to-back home games with Scarlets the visitors on Saturday (kick off 7:30pm).
Hooker Jason Harris-Wright was the only major injury concern from the last round of PRO12 action. The 26-year-old was replaced just before the half hour mark after going down at the Sportsground with an injury to his right knee. An MRI is scheduled for Monday evening to determine the extent of the damage and a report will be provided later in the week.
In better news, Michael Swift has returned to full training and is now available to play. The concussive symptoms of his fellow second row team mate Aly Muldowney have improved and the 31-year-old resumed the full return-to-play protocols today.
Galway man Tiernan O’Halloran has also made good progress following knee scope surgery at the end of October and is on track to resume full training next week.
Back row Mata Fifita played his first game of rugby this season when he came on for the second half of Buccaneers 21-16 win over UL Bohemian at the weekend. After recovering from a heel injury, the Tongan born forward came through the game and returned to Connacht training today.
The Connacht Eagles are also in action this week following a five week break. Nigel Carolan’s squad will travel to Richmond to face London Scottish – who they beat 30 – 27 at the Sportsground in October – in the fourth round of the B&I Cup competition. Kick off is at 7pm on Saturday November 29th while the senior team kick off at the Sportsground a half hour later.
Of concern to Carolan is Academy prop Jamie Dever who earned his first senior cap against the Ospreys in round seven. The Mayo man is suffering from an ongoing right A/C joint problem and is also scheduled for an MRI today, Monday but is unlikely to be available to travel with the Eagles this weekend. Back row James Connolly is also unavailable with a hamstring injury.
Connacht v Scarlets
Saturday 29th November
The Sportsground
Kick off 19:30
Tickets are selling fast for Connacht v Scarlets but there are some remaining for the Main, Enclosed and new Seated Stand. Starting at just €20 for adults, tickets are available from tickets.ie, Centra & SuperValu stores province-wide or from the Connacht Rugby office at the Sportsground.
London Scottish v Connacht Eagles
Saturday 29th November
Athletic Ground, Richmond
Kick off 19:00