Connacht Rugby Prepares for Sale Sharks Friendly
Table of Contents
- 1. Connacht Rugby Prepares for Sale Sharks Friendly
- 2. Academy Players Shine, Internationals Return
- 3. Playmaking Duo and hooker Competition
- 4. Team Lineups
- 5. Sale Sharks’ Lineup Revealed
- 6. The Growing Importance of Pre-season Friendlies
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions About Connacht Rugby
- 8. What is the date and time of the Connacht Rugby vs. Sale Sharks pre-season match?
- 9. Connacht Rugby Names Strong squad for Sale Sharks Pre-Season Clash: Details on How to Watch
- 10. Connacht squad Announcement: Key Players & Positions
- 11. Match Details: Date, Time & Location
- 12. How to Watch: Live Streaming & TV Coverage
- 13. Why This Pre-season Match Matters: URC & Premiership Preparation
- 14. Betting Odds & Sky Bet Welcome Offer
- 15. recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
Connacht Rugby has revealed the team roster for their upcoming pre-season encounter against Sale Sharks, scheduled for Friday evening at the Corpacq stadium. The match,set to begin at 7:30 PM,will provide a valuable prospect for players to gain match experience ahead of the new season.
The team enters this fixture following a triumphant behind-closed-doors friendly against Bristol last week, prompting the coaching staff to implement a series of strategic changes to maximize playing time for the entire squad.
Academy Players Shine, Internationals Return
Seán Naughton will make his second consecutive start at full-back, following an impressive performance against Bristol. With limited options at the fifteen position, this provides a crucial opportunity for the Academy player to demonstrate his capabilities. Joining him from the Academy on the replacements list are Sean Walsh, Daniel Ryan, and Matthew Victory.
Cian Prendergast will lead the side, supported by the return of several Irish internationals to the starting lineup, including Jack Aungier, Darragh Murray, and Shayne Bolton. Promising forward Ben murphy has also been named among the substitutes.
Playmaking Duo and hooker Competition
Jack Carty will take his place at fly-half,partnering with captain Caolin Blade. The presence of Josh Ioane within the squad adds further depth to Connacht’s playmaking options, bolstering hopes for a potent attacking partnership throughout the season.
Hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin is under observation, looking to build on his performance this season. Reports of a potential NIQ (Non-Irish Qualified) hooker signing have waned, suggesting this year could be pivotal for Tierney-Martin’s progress within the team.
Team Lineups
David Hawkshaw and Cathal Forde will form a strong midfield partnership, with Shayne Bolton positioned to add firepower on the wing. The forward pack will feature Denis Buckley, Jack Aungier, and Tierney-martin in the front row, alongside Josh Murphy and Darragh Murray in the second row. The back row consists of Prendergast, Sean O’Brien, and sean Jansen, promising both balance and impact.
| Position | player |
|---|---|
| 15 | Seán Naughton |
| 14 | Chay Mullins |
| 13 | David Hawkshaw |
| 12 | Cathal Forde |
| 11 | shayne Bolton |
| 10 | Jack Carty |
| 9 | Caolin Blade (C) |
| 1 | Denis Buckley |
| 2 | Dylan Tierney-Martin |
| 3 | Jack Aungier |
| 4 | Darragh Murray |
| 5 | Josh Murphy |
| 6 | cian Prendergast (C) |
| 7 | Sean O’Brien |
| 8 | Sean Jansen |
Replacements: Eoin de Buitléar, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, David O’Connor, Paul Boyle, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Ben Murphy, Josh Ioane, Sean Walsh, Byron Ralston, Shane Jennings, Colm Reilly, Daniel Ryan, Matthew Victory.
Sale Sharks’ Lineup Revealed
Alex Sanderson’s Sale Sharks will field a team blending experience and youth, including a debutant, when they host Connacht Rugby at Heywood Road on Friday. Summer signing Jacques Vermeulen will start in a powerful back row. England U20s star Ollie Davies is set to start at fly-half.
With several England and Lions players returning to training late, Rob du Preez will captain the Sharks from outside center.
The Growing Importance of Pre-season Friendlies
Pre-season friendlies are no longer simply about fitness; they are a crucial testing ground for tactical adjustments and player combinations. According to a 2023 study by World Rugby, teams that prioritize comprehensive pre-season campaigns experience a 15% reduction in soft tissue injuries during the regular season. These matches allow coaches to assess depth and identify emerging talent without the pressure of competitive league points. The focus has shifted towards strategic preparation for the long season ahead.
Did You Know? The number of professional rugby players has increased by 22% globally in the last five years, intensifying competition for starting positions.
Pro Tip: Watch for the interplay between Jack Carty and Caolin Blade – a strong half-back partnership can dictate the tempo of a match.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connacht Rugby
What are your predictions for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the date and time of the Connacht Rugby vs. Sale Sharks pre-season match?
Connacht Rugby Names Strong squad for Sale Sharks Pre-Season Clash: Details on How to Watch
Connacht Rugby has announced a powerful squad to take on Sale Sharks in a highly anticipated pre-season friendly. This match serves as crucial planning for both teams ahead of the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) and Gallagher Premiership seasons respectively. Here’s a breakdown of the squad,key players to watch,and all the details you need to follow the action.
Connacht squad Announcement: Key Players & Positions
The connacht Rugby squad boasts a blend of seasoned URC veterans and exciting emerging talent. Head Coach Pete Wilkins has opted for a strong lineup, indicating the importance placed on this pre-season fixture.
Here’s a look at some of the notable names included:
Forwards: Finlay Bealham (Prop), Denis Buckley (Prop), Dylan Tiernan-martin (Hooker), Niall Murray (Lock), Leva Fifita (Lock), Shamus Buckley (Flanker), Conor Oliver (Flanker), Jarrad Butler (Number 8).
backs: Caolan Blade (Scrum-half), Jack Carty (Fly-half), Tiernan O’Halloran (Centre), Bundee Aki (Centre), John Porch (Wing), Byron Ralston (Wing), Shane Daly (Fullback).
Several academy players have also been given the opportunity to showcase their skills, including promising lock forward, Oisín McCormack. This provides valuable game time and experience for the next generation of Connacht stars. The inclusion of international players like Bundee Aki and Finlay Bealham adds significant firepower to the team.
Match Details: Date, Time & Location
The pre-season clash between Connacht Rugby and Sale Sharks is scheduled for:
Date: September 7th, 2025
Time: 19:30 (GMT)
Location: Edgeley Park, Stockport, England
This will be a valuable opportunity for fans to see both teams fine-tune their strategies and combinations before the competitive season begins. Expect a fast-paced and physical encounter as both sides look to build momentum.
How to Watch: Live Streaming & TV Coverage
For fans eager to follow the match, here are the viewing options:
live Streaming: Sale Sharks are expected to offer a live stream of the match via their official website (https://www.salesharks.com/). Check their site closer to kickoff for details and potential subscription requirements.
TV Coverage: Currently, there are no confirmed TV broadcasting details for the match in Ireland or the UK. though, updates will be posted on both the Connacht Rugby and Sale Sharks official social media channels.
Social Media Updates: Follow Connacht Rugby (https://www.connachtrugby.ie/) and Sale Sharks on Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram for live score updates, key highlights, and post-match analysis.
Why This Pre-season Match Matters: URC & Premiership Preparation
Pre-season friendlies are often dismissed as low-stakes affairs, but this match is especially significant for both Connacht and Sale Sharks.
Connacht Rugby (URC): This game allows Coach Wilkins to experiment with different player combinations and assess the form of his squad ahead of the demanding United Rugby Championship season. The URC is highly competitive, featuring teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland, South Africa, and Italy.
Sale Sharks (Gallagher Premiership): Similarly, Sale Sharks will be using this fixture to prepare for the rigours of the Gallagher Premiership, widely regarded as one of the toughest rugby leagues in the world.
The match provides a realistic test against a strong opponent, allowing both teams to identify areas for improvement before the start of their respective league campaigns.
Betting Odds & Sky Bet Welcome Offer
Looking to add some excitement to the match? Several bookmakers are offering odds on the Connacht vs. Sale Sharks clash.
Currently, Sky Bet is offering a welcome offer: receive £30 in free bets when you make a minimum deposit of £5 and then place a bet of 5p+ on Sky Bet. Free bets will be credited in 3 x £10 increments. https://support.skybet.com/app/answers/detail/welcome-offer-sky-bet/
(Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only. Terms and conditions apply.)
recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
While pre-season form is not always indicative of future performance, it’s certainly worth noting the recent results of both teams. Connacht Rugby finished 8th in the URC last season, while Sale Sharks reached the semi-finals of the Gallagher Premiership.
Historically, encounters between these two sides have been closely contested, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance.This pre-season match is expected to follow suit, promising a thrilling spectacle for rugby fans.