Tom McCartney relishing Connacht’s festive schedule

Connacht hooker Tom McCartney says he is ready to leave his injury woes behind and play his part in a busy Christmas period for the westerners.

McCartney had been sidelined for a month with a hip injury, but he made his comeback off the bench last weekend in Brive to help his side to a key Challenge Cup victory. And the New Zealand native says he is desperate to lead the Connacht pack through a busy schedule and launch it with a fourth straight European win at the Sportsground on Saturday.

“It’s really good to be back playing. You never want to be on the sidelines. It was a frustrating few weeks for me after the Cheetahs game picking up a little niggle. But it’s good to be back out on the park,” said McCartney.