Following Connacht’s 42 -19 win over Bayonne on Saturday, Pat Lam’s squad were back to full training today, Monday, as they prepare for the return trip to France at the weekend (Saturday December 6th, kick off 20:45 – local time).
Mick Kearney was the only major injury concern from the Sportsground on Saturday. The 23-year-old lock was replaced just five minutes into the game after going down with an ankle sprain. An MRI is scheduled for Monday evening to determine the extent of the damage and length of time on the sidelines.
Kearney’s second row partner Quinn Roux experienced mild ankle aggravation during the game but has been cleared to resume training this week.
Andrew Browne’s is still struggling with a knee injury and will be unavailable to the coaching team this week while scrum half Ian Porter has also been ruled out of traveling as he continues rehab on a foot sprain.
In better news, wing Niyi Adeolokun has returned to full training and is now available to play. The backs division were also boosted by the return to training of Tiernan O’Halloran. The Galway man will be hoping to make his season debut over the Christmas period.
The Connacht Eagles are also in action this week in the final round of the British & Irish Cup. Nigel Carolan’s squad will welcome Bristol Rugby to the Sportsground for a 2pm kick off on Saturday. The Eagles played the English side back in round 1 in October in what was a high scoring game at Ashton Gate Stadium, finishing 50 – 34 in favour of the hosts.
Carolan will be without the services of hooker Pat O’Toole who started in the front row away to Pontypridd on Saturday. The Corinthians club man sustained a high ankle sprain and is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.
Bayonne v Connacht
Saturday December 6th
Stade Jean Dauger
Kick off 20:45 local time
Connacht Eagles v Bristol Rugby
Saturday December 6th
The Sportsground
Kick off 14:00
Entry to the Connacht Eagles game on Saturday is €5 or free for all Season Ticket holders.