Search
23 Oct 2025
Search
23 Oct 2025
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.
Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.
If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .
Support our mission and join our community now.
To continue reading this article, you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles!
Alternatively, you can pay €0.50 per article, capped at €1 per day.
Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism!
Ballina's Dave Heffernan will play on his usual position as hooker against Emirates Lions in Johannesburg. Pic; Sportsfile
Mayo man Dave Heffernan has been a constant performer for Connacht Rugby for many years.
The Ballina native featured in the historic first rugby match in MacHale Park Castlebar against Munster last month.
Now, Connacht find themselves with a difficult task ahead of themselves as the men from the West are facing the Emirates Lions in South Africa tomorrow.
READ: 'Lovely' - Mayo jeweller reacts to apology from rugby fan who was sick in doorway
There are six changes from the side that played the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend. Shayne Bolton has recovered from injury to start on the right wing in his native country, while hooker Dave Heffernan, locks Josh Murphy and Joe Joyce, number 8 Sean Jansen and scrum-half Matthew Devine also come into the side.
Heffernan lines out alongside Peter Dooley and Finlay Bealham in the front row, while captain Cian Prendergast and openside flanker Conor Oliver complete the pack.
Jack Carty continues at out-half, as does the centre pairing of Cathal Forde and David Hawkshaw. Shane Jennings is named on the left wing, while Piers O’Conor continues at full-back.
The bench sees the return of Hugh Gavin after missing last week through injury, as well as Eoin de Buitléar after over two months out following thumb surgery.
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS EMIRATES LIONS
15:00, Saturday, April 26, Emirates Airline Park Johannesburg
READ: Two Mayo players and one school nominated for Connacht Rugby awards
Number/Name/Caps
15. Piers O’Conor (16)
14. Shayne Bolton (23)
13. David Hawkshaw (41)
12. Cathal Forde (49)
11. Shane Jennings (22)
10. Jack Carty (219)
9. Matthew Devine (17)
1. Peter Dooley (51)
2. Dave Heffernan (217)
3. Finlay Bealham (217)
4. Josh Murphy (36)
5. Joe Joyce (35)
6. Cian Prendergast (84) Captain
7. Conor Oliver (94)
8. Sean Jansen (23)
16. Eoin de Buitléar (12)
17. Jordan Duggan (60)
18. Sam Illo (30)
19. Oisín Dowling (75)
20. Paul Boyle (113)
21. Colm Reilly (27)
22. Hugh Gavin (8)
23. Santiago Cordero (19)
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.
This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.
