Matthews set to become Connacht centurion

Keith Matthews will celebrate his 100th cap when he lines out for Connacht for tomorrow night’s Magners League against Edinburgh at the Sportground (kick-off 7.45pm).

The 28-year-old centre joined Connacht from Munster in 2005 and has been a regular feature in the Connacht squad ever since.

“I was on a development contract down in Munster when Brads (Michael Bradley) phoned me and offered me a spot, I jumped at the chance to play regular Magners League and haven’t looked back since,” Matthews explained today.

“It’s taken a while to get to this milestone; I’ve had a few injuries along the way. Amongst other injuries I damaged my cruciate ligament against Munster in 2007 and was out for nine months so that didn’t help but I’m delighted to reach 100 caps for Connacht, it’s a huge personal achievement.

“I’ve been involved in some great games over the years, beating Munster here at The Sportsground 2 years ago, beating Bourgoin in the quarter final of the Amlin Challenge Cup here last season and captaining the side against Munster on St Stephens Day this year.

“Hopefully there’ll be many more to come, I’m enjoying my rugby more than ever and playing some of the best rugby of my career so I’ve no intention of giving up just yet.”

Matthews was part of Michael Bradleys 2009 Ireland ‘A’ side which won the Churchill Cup, beating England Saxons in the final. That team also included fellow Connacht players John Muldoon and Sean Cronin.

Hooker Adrian Flavin could also earn his 100th cap this weekend if he is summoned from the bench.

Matthews links up with Kiwi Troy Nathan in a new-look centre partnership with Gavin Duffy, Fionn Carr and Brian Tuohy making up the back three.

Bernie Upton comes in for Michael Swift and will join Mike McCarthy in the second row while Johnny O’Connor continues to captain the side form the openside flank.

Connacht: R Loughney, S Cronin, J Hagan; M McCarthy, B Upton; A Browne, J O’Connor, R Ofisa, F Murphy, I Keatley, F Carr, K Matthews, T Nathan, B Tuohy; G Duffy.

Replacements: A Flavin, B Wilkinson, R Ah You, M McComish, J Muldoon, M Dolan, E Griffin, S Monahan