Bundee Aki makes Connacht return for Scarlets trip

Connacht Rugby Squad Training, Dexcom Stadium, Galway 23/9/2024

Bundee Aki will make his first appearance of the season as Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins makes two changes for the URC visit to the Scarlets in Llanelli on Friday (KO 7.35pm).

Jack Carty is also included for the first time this campaign, while new signing Temi Lasisi named among replacements.

Last year's World Player of the Year nominee Aki is named at inside-centre with Cathal Forde moving to 13 and Piers O’Conor shifting to the wing. 

At out-half, Carty replaces Josh Ioane who continues his graduated return to play protocols. 

The bench sees the inclusion of prop Lasisi, who could make his debut, and Shayne Bolton who has recovered from the injury he sustained against Munster. 

Wilkins said: “Llanelli is always tough place to go for visiting teams, so whilst respecting the Scarlets’ strengths we must make every effort to impose our game and take our opportunities when they arise. 

"In Bundee and Jack we have two senior players coming into the starting lineup with a wealth of experience and quality. It says a lot about the strength of the squad this year that we’re able to bring in players of that calibre. We will need to perform at our best to get a result and everyone is looking forward to the challenge.” 

CONNACHT: S Cordero, M Hansen, C Forde, B Aki, P O'Conor, J Carty, B Murphy; D Buckley, D Heffernan, F Bealham, N Murray, D O’Connor, J Murphy, C Oliver, C Prendergast

Replacements:  D Tierney-Martin, P Dooley, T Lasisi, O Dowling, P Boyle, C Blade, D Hawkshaw S Bolton