Connacht’s Nikora set to miss trip to Aironi

CONNACHT will be without out-half Miah Nikora for their final trip abroad this season when they travel to play Aironi on Saturday.

The 25-year old suffered a knee injury while impressing for Connacht A at the Sportsground on Friday and could be out for two to three weeks.

The New Zealander, who has featured in 13 of Connacht’s 17 games in the Magners League this season, will miss Saturday’s game in Italy and the home match against Edinburgh the following week.

“It leaves us a bit thin for the No.10 spot but Troy Nathan will probably cover Ian Keatley there this weekend,” said coach Eric Elwood.

“It’s unfortunate on Miah as he was going well but hopefully he will be back in a couple of weeks. It’s not as bad as was first feared so we just need to keep it monitored,” he added.

Connacht will be bidding to complete the double over the Italian newcomers having defeated them 11-6 at the Sportsground the weekend before last.

Meanwhile, flanker Eoghan Grace will depart Exeter at the end of the season after agreeing a two-year contract with Connacht.

Meanwhile, Tom Prydie’s hopes of challenging for a place in the Wales World Cup squad appear to be over. The Ospreys wing will undergo knee reconstruction surgery later this week after being injured during a Magners League game against Glasgow.