Connacht make eight changes for Challenge Cup clash with Montpellier

There are three Academy players on the bench set to make their debut.

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026 - 12:45

Fiona Halligan

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has made eight changes to his side that lost to Leinster last weekend for their EPCR Challenge Cup away to Montpellier on Sunday (1pm Irish time).

Captain Cian Prendergast is one of seven players to be retained from the Leinster loss alongside Dylan Tierney-Martin, Josh Murphy, Sean Jansen, Josh Ioane, Finn Treacey and Sam Gilbert.

There is a first start for Academy loosehead prop Billy Bohan who joins Tierney-Martin and Sam Illo in the front row. Darragh Murray comes in to partner Murphy in the engine room.

Paul Boyle comes into the back row to join Prendergast and Jansen.

Ben Murphy comes in at scrum half. He replaced Matthew Devine against Leinster who was removed for a HIA. Devine was deregistered for the game with Albert Lindner from the Academy added as an additional player and is named on the bench and set to make his debut.

There is a new look centre partnership with Cathal Forde and Harry West. The final change sees Shane Jennings returning from injury to start on the right wing.

Matthew Victory was also added as an additional player with the injured Shayne Bolton deregistered for the clash. Victory is another Academy player who is also in line in to make his debut off the bench. Also, John Devine is also named on the bench having signed his first Pro contract last summer and set for his first cap.

Peter Dooley returns to the bench following a two month injury lay off.

Speaking on the game Lancaster said that injuries have created opportunites for younger players for this weekend's clash.

"This weekend is another exciting challenge. Montpellier are a strong side in a good run of form. We have some injuries, but that creates opportunities and we are looking forward to seeing how the team perform as as we aim to qualify for the last 16.

"Sam gets a deserved chance at tighthead. Finlay picked up a knock last week and with Jack back soon it is a great chance for him. At 9 Matt Devine is going through the return to play protocols and with Caolin and Colm returning soon, it is a great opportunity for Albert who has impressed in training with the Senior team.

"Matthew Victory, John Devine and Sean Walsh are all exciting prospects and they will gain massive experience from their selection in the matchday 23, especially a European fixture in France in front of what we’re expecting will be a hostile crowd.

"It’s great to welcome Peter Dooley back after over 2 months out, and we’re expecting a number of players to return next week which will be welcome ahead of the Leinster game in two weeks.”

CONNACHT

: S Gilbert, S Jennings, H West, C Forde, F Treacy, J Ioane, B Murphy; B Bohan, D Tierney-Martin, S Illo, D Murray, J Murphy, C Prendergast (c), P Boyle, S Jansen.

Replacements: M Victory, P Dooley, F Barrett, N Murray, S O'Brien, A Lindner, S Walsh, J Devine.

TOULON: T Vincent, D Taofifenua, T Darmon, J Piccardo, M Rates, S Hogg, L Coly; B Erdocio, L Akrab, L Japaridze, F Verhaeghe, B Chalureau, M Tauleigne, A Becognee (c), A Masibaka.

Replacements: R Riccitelli, N Abuladze, V Welsch, M Uhila, L Gleeson, A Bernadet, A Vincent, J Ducros