Injury blow for Harris-Wright

Connacht have been hit with a massive blow with first-choice hooker Jason Harris-Wright set to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

The 26-year old ruptured a cruciate in the bonus-point victory over Zebre at the weekend, a game where Connacht’s big three Kiwi imports got to link up for the first time.

One of the them, Tom McCartney, who can cover all positions in front row, will now be called upon to fill the void as Connacht prepare to take on Scarlets in their crunch Pro12 clash at the Sportsground on Saturday.

Harris-Wright only returned to action for Connacht in the Challenge Cup against La Rochelle last month having been out since the closing stages of last season with a shoulder injury.

With another hooker Sean Henry and prop Nathan White injured, coach Pat Lam is once more left with limited options in his front row.

“I am absolutely disappointed for Jason because he has just come off a long-term injury,” said Lam. “He had got himself into great shape and was playing really well, hence the reason he started last week as well. It was terrible news for him.

“On the other side it confirms the need to sign Tom McCartney. Otherwise we would have been without our number one and two hookers from last season again,” added Lam, who will also have converted flanker Dave Heffernan battling for the No.2 shirt.

Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw and prop Rodney Ah You are available for Connacht.

Meanwhile, winger Niyi Adeolokun has been handed a two-year professional contract after impressing in his first few months on a development contract with the province.