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.

“Although the injury list is now low and we have good depth in some positions, having three 10s out is a bit of a killer blow, but you can’t control the injuries,” says Lam.

“The No 1 thing is understanding the role of what needs to happen, and for the next person it is his job to do it. A lot of the backs can play in more than one position, it’s the beauty of our game. Of course we would like to have Jack, AJ, and Craig Ronaldson available, but you can’t cry over it, you’ve just got to move on and the next person puts the jersey on and steps into the role.”

Jack Carty, who is recovering from having his spleen removed, is due for a surgeon’s review in two weeks in the hope of starting a graduating contact training plan.

Other injury worries for Lam are Nathan White, who is undergoing return to play protocols after being concussed in the opening five minutes in Connacht’s 7-6 victory over Leinster, while Jack Heenan, a withdrawal following the captain’s run with an ankle injury, continues to be monitored. However one piece of good news is the availability of Ireland lock Ultan Dillane.

Lam says Connacht head to Kingspan Stadium knowing it has been 55 years since the province won in Belfast.

“They are a harder team to beat up there, we know that because we haven’t done it. That makes the challenge tougher, but also more exciting. The Sportsground is fantastic, but we don’t want to be reliant on the Sportsground, or who we are playing.

“Where we are as a team compared to some 15 months ago we have grown a lot since then. I think this group of men is maturing and growing as team. That component on its own gives us a lot of belief that it will be different for us this time. That doesn’t guarantee a win, but it just means when we face the pressure and the challenge — because it is a big one and it’s a tough ask — that there is a lot of confidence because of what we have been through and at this stage of our development.”