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Ciaran Frawley to make much anticipated Connacht debut
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Ciaran Frawley will make his long-awaited Connacht debut on Friday night after being named at fly-half for Stuart Lancaster’s side’s URC clash against Benetton in Treviso.
The Ireland international was Connacht’s marquee signing of the summer following his move from Leinster, a move that left many blue supporters, and indeed Leo Cullen, disappointed to see him depart.
Viewed as a move that could benefit both player and country, the 28-year-old’s switch to Galway should bring more game time at fly-half and help establish him as a genuine long-term Ireland No.10 option for Andy Farrell.
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After sitting out Connacht’s opening-round defeat to the Stormers, the 6’3, 98kg standoff goes straight into Lancaster’s starting XV. He is one of six players involved in Ireland’s summer squad to return directly to the matchday 23 this week.
Cian Prendergast captains the side from blindside flanker, while reigning Connacht player of the year Sean Jansen is named at No.8. Fellow Ireland tourist Darragh Murray starts in the second row.
Lancaster has made two other changes to the side that started against the Stormers. Matthew Victory is handed his first Connacht start at hooker, while Caolin Blade comes in at scrum-half.
Victory joins Francois van Wyk and Finlay Bealham in the front row, with Murray partnering Josh Murphy in the engine room. Sean O’Brien switches to openside flanker alongside Prendergast and Jansen in the back row.
Outside Blade and Frawley, the backline remains unchanged. Mack Hansen and Finn Treacy are selected on the wings, with Cathal Forde and John Devine continuing their midfield partnership. Sam Gilbert starts at full-back.
Among the replacements, Sam Illo is in line to make his 50th Connacht appearance, while Billy Bohan also returns after international duty.
Connacht: Sam Gilbert; Finn Treacy, John Devine, Cathal Forde, Mack Hansen; Ciarán Frawley, Caolin Blade; Francois van Wyk, Matthew Victory, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast (c), Seán O’Brien, Sean Jansen.
Replacements: Eoin de Buitléar, Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Colm Reilly, Josh Ioane, Shane Jennings.
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