Two Mayo men named in Connacht Rugby squad for big French test

TWO Mayo men are off to France this weekend as Connacht Rugby look to take on Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup. Ballina's Harry West and Fiachna Barrett from Geesala have been named in the matchday squad for the big game at the Septeo Stadium at 1pm on Sunday.

West has been named in the starting team in a new-look centre partnership with Cathal Forde while Barrett will win his seventh Connacht cap from the bench.

Cian Prendergast captains the side from blindside flanker, and is one of seven players retained from last weekend's starting team against Leinster, along with Dylan Tierney-Martin, Josh Murphy, Sean Jansen, Josh Ioane, Finn Treacy and Sam Gilbert.

In the pack there’s a first start for Academy loosehead prop Billy Bohan – following two replacement appearances – while Sam Illo starts at tight-head. Darragh Murray partners Murphy in the second row, while Paul Boyle comes into the team at openside flanker.

Ben Murphy starts at scrum-half and the final change is the inclusion of Shane Jennings on the right wing.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster says:

"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 tight-head. 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.”