AJ McGinty injury deals ‘killer blow’ to Connacht

Connacht are suffering yet another injury headache with outhalf AJ McGinty ruled out for a month ahead of Friday’s meeting with Ulster in Belfast.

McGinty, who had taken over the out-half reins since Jack Carty ruptured his spleen, is now expected to be out of action for up to four weeks with a shoulder injury. And with Craig Ronaldson also sidelined, head coach Pat Lam will look to Eagles player Shane O’Leary with Academy player Conor McKeon on the bench.

O’Leary, 23, has not featured in the starting XV for a Pro 12 fixture this season, but played in Connacht’s European fixture against Newcastle before Christmas, and has been a regular on Galwegians RFC starting line-up in their All Ireland League campaign.