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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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MAYO'S Dave Heffernan will win his 208th Connacht cap on Saturday night when the westerners take on Lyon in The Dexcom Stadium in what promises to be an intriguing European Challenge Cup clash.
Cian Prendergast captains the side from blindside flanker, with Shamus Hurley-Langton on the opposite side and Sean Jansen coming into the team at number 8. There’s a new second row of Oisín Dowling and the returning Joe Joyce, while Peter Dooley also makes his first start since returning from injury. The retained Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham complete the pack.
In the back line, Ben Murphy and Josh Ioane are selected at #9 and #10, while Piers O’Conor shifts to outside centre to partner Bundee Aki. In the back three, Santiago Cordero moves to fullback with Shane Jennings and Chay Mullins on the wing.
READ: Heffernan says it was always a 'dream' to play in the home of Mayo GAA
The coaching team have opted for a 5:3 split, with five forwards and three backs on the bench, meaning Cathal Forde and David Hawkshaw are among the replacements.
Head coach Pete Wilkins says: "We're familiar with Lyon having played them last season, and after watching them this year there's a huge amount of firepower there, particularly in the backline. They've selected a strong squad to travel over, but with home advantage and a strong focus on the Challenge Cup this year, this is a great test for where we're at".
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS LYON
20:00, Saturday 11th January 2025 @ Dexcom Stadium
Number/Name/Caps
15. Santiago Cordero (13)
14. Chay Mullins (2)
13. Piers O’Conor (9)
12. Bundee Aki (144)
11. Shane Jennings (19)
10. Josh Ioane (6)
9. Ben Murphy (9)
1. Peter Dooley (44)
2. Dave Heffernan (207)
3. Finlay Bealham (211)
4. Oisín Dowling (67)
5. Joe Joyce (27)
6. Cian Prendergast (77) (C)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (47)
8. Sean Jansen (14)
Bench:
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (46)
17. Jordan Duggan (53)
18. Jack Aungier (75)
19. Josh Murphy (26)
20. Paul Boyle (103)
21. Caolin Blade (202)
22. Cathal Forde (42)
23. David Hawkshaw (37)
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