Connacht faces injury setbacks ahead of South Africa tour
Connacht Rugby announces key player injuries ahead of URC tour in South Africa
©Steve Haag
Connacht Rugby is grappling with a series of injuries to key players following their recent Challenge Cup quarter-final match.
As the team gears up for a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) tour in South Africa, they face the challenge of competing without several core squad members.
Among the most significant absentees are Ireland internationals Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki. Hansen is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Aki is recovering from a heel issue.
Both players are targeting a potential return for Connacht's home fixture against Edinburgh on May 10, offering some hope for a late-season boost.
Additional setbacks include out-half Josh Ioane, who has suffered a hand fracture, and back-rower Shamus Hurley-Langton, ruled out with a wrist injury. The recovery timelines for both remain uncertain.
Scrum-half Caolin Blade continues his rehab from an ankle injury, adding to the list of unavailable backs.
In the forward pack, experienced loosehead prop Denis Buckley has been ruled out of the tour due to a quad strain. Academy winger Finn Treacy is undergoing return-to-play protocols following a head injury, further limiting Connacht’s backline options.
Despite the growing injury list, Connacht has named a 29-man squad for the South African leg of the URC, which includes seasoned internationals such as Cian Prendergast, Finlay Bealham, and Dave Heffernan.
The squad will take on the Stormers and Lions over the next two weeks in what will be pivotal fixtures for their playoff ambitions.
