Bundee Aki to become latest Connacht centurion in Guinness PRO14 return against Ulster.
Aki joined Connacht in 2014, going on to play a central role in the province’s fortunes, having been awarded Guinness PRO12 Player of the Season in 2015/16, the same year Connacht landed their first ever title.
His form was rewarded with a first call-up to the Ireland squad in the 2017 Autumn Internationals, having been an ever-present member of the squad since then, making 26 appearances and starting every game in the Grand Slam victory of 2018.
Elsewhere at least two players will make their Connacht debuts with Alex Wootton and Academy graduate Peter Sullivan both named on the wings. They form a back three with John Porch who slots in at full-back.
Tom Farrell will partner Aki in the centre with Irish international Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty forming a formidable half-back partnership.
In the forwards there’s a return to action for prop Finlay Bealham after sustaining a serious injury against Edinburgh in February, and he makes up an experienced front-row with Denis Buckley and hooker Dave Heffernan.
Ultan Dillane and Gavin Thornbury have been named in the second row, and the starting XV is completed by flankers Eoghan Masterson and Captain Jarrad Butler, with Paul Boyle named at number 8.
Three more players could make their Connacht debuts off the bench, with props Jordan Duggan and Jack Aungier, and back row Conor Oliver all included.
The remainder of the replacements is made up of Jonny Murphy, Niall Murray, Stephen Kerins, Conor Dean and Tom Daly.
“It has been almost six months since our last game and two months since we commenced pre-season training, so we are delighted our return has finally arrived” explained Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend.
“I have been really impressed with how the squad as a group have reacted to the uncertainty of the last few months, and it’s now our opportunity to show that hard work against an opposing team.”
“We have selected a squad of 23 that we believe can win this fixture” added Friend. “We have a neat blend of experience & youth, with the potential of five new debutants for Connacht, along with Bundee making his 100th appearance”.
“It’s therefore a special occasion in many ways, and we intend to put out a performance that warrants that.”
Connacht: John Porch, Peter Sullivan, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Alex Wootton, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Gavin Thornbury, Eoghan Masterson, Jarrad Butler (c), Paul Boyle
Replacement: Jonny Murphy, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Niall Murray, Conor Oliver, Stephen Kerins, Conor Dean, Tom Daly
