Rugby

Shayne Bolton to make Connacht debut as the URC returns

Andy Friend’s side return to action against Ospreys on Friday after a five-week hiatus

Shayne Bolton is set to make his Connacht debut against the Ospreys on Friday night. Photograph: Tommy Dickson/Inpho

Thu Nov 25 2021 - 12:33

United Rugby Championship: Connacht v Ospreys, Friday November 26th, The Sportsground (kick-off 7.35pm).

Summer signing Shayne Bolton will make his Connacht debut on Friday night as the United Rugby Championship returns following a five-week absence.

20-year-old Bolton has been named in midfield alongside Sammy Arnold, with Andy Friend making four changes in total from the side who accounted for Ulster on October 23rd.

Jack Carty, who this week signed a new three-year deal with the province, starts at outhalf with Kieran Marmion at nine.

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Oran McNulty will make his full Connacht debut from fullback, with Alex Wootton and Mack Hansen completing the back three.

Up front Dave Heffernan will make his 150th Connacht appearance at hooker, with Matthew Burke and Finlay Bealham propping either side of him.

Niall Murray joins Ultan Dillane in the engine room, with Jarrad Butler and Conor Oliver at flanker and Paul Boyle at number eight.

Ahead of Friday night’s resumption, head coach Andy Friend said: “Everyone had a deserved few days off after the Aviva game and we’ve since spent the last few weeks fully focussed on getting a win tomorrow night.

“Ospreys have made a really good start to their season and they’re always difficult to play against, so everyone knows we have to push on from our interpro performances to get the win we need.

“Shayne Bolton has settled in really well since arriving from South Africa so he’s deserving of a start, and it’s a special game for Dave Heffernan and Ballina RFC on the day of his 150th appearance.”

Connacht team to play Ospreys: Oran McNulty; Alex Wootton, Shayne Bolton, Sammy Arnold, Mack Hansen; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Niall Murray, Ultan Dillane; Jarrad Butler, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle. Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Jordan Duggan, Jack Aungier, Oisín Dowling, Eoghan Masterson, Caolin Blade, Conor Fitzgerald, Peter Robb.

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