Boyle captains Connacht as Lancaster hands Naughton URC debut

Connacht’s Sean Naughton. Pic: Paul Currie/Inpho

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship season opener against Benetton Rugby at Dexcom Stadium (kick-off, 7.45pm).

Paul Boyle captains the side from blindside flanker, while there’s a first Connacht start for academy back Sean Naughton, in what will also be his first appearance in the URC.

The Galway native is stationed at full-back, while fellow academy man Fiachna Barrett could also make his URC debut off the bench.

Boyle features in a back row that includes Shamus Hurley-Langton with Sean Jansen at number 8. 

Niall Murray and Josh Murphy make up the second row partnership, while the pack is completed by props Peter Dooley and Sam Illo, and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin.

In the backs, Naughton makes up a back three with wingers Chay Mullins and Irish international Shayne Bolton, while Cathal Forde and Byron Ralston form the centre pairing. Completing the side is scrum-half Caolin Blade and out-half Josh Ioane.

Lancaster said: “It’s been a really pleasing pre-season for us. I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the players and backroom staff, and we had two good wins against Bristol and Sale followed by a camp in Westport, so I believe we’re set up well to hit the ground running on Saturday night.

"Benetton are a strong side full of internationals, and the URC has become such a competitive league so every point is vital. 

"I know there’s lots of excitement around the province so I’m sure the fans will harness that energy into getting behind the group for this opener, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere for the first time as head coach."

Connacht:

S Naughton; C Mullins, B Ralston, C Forde, S Bolton; J Ioane, C Blade; P Dooley, D Tierney-Martin, S Illo; N Murray, J Murphy; P Boyle (C), S Hurley-Langton, S Jansen. 

Replacements: D Heffernan, J Duggan, F Barrett, D O’Connor, J Joyce, B Murphy, J Carty, C Prendergast.