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Shayne Bolton poised for Conna...

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Shayne Bolton poised for Connacht debut


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Shayne Bolton is set to make his Connacht debut tomorrow. 

The Westerners take on Ospreys as the United Rugby Championship returns following a break for the Autumn Nations Series.

Bolton - who joined the province in the summer - starts at outside centre.

The 20-year-old is a native of South Africa, but qualifies to represent Ireland through his Dublin-born grandmother.

There's also a first appearance of the season for Alex Wootton, who is handed a starting berth on the wing.

Oran McNulty is also set to make a first start at full-back, while Dave Heffernan will win his 150th cap for the province in the front row.

Connacht go into the game off the back of an encouraging win over Ulster in their final domestic outing five weeks ago.

“Everyone had a deserved few days off after the Aviva game and we’ve since spent the last few weeks fully focussed on getting a win tomorrow night," head coach Andy Friend said.

"Ospreys have made a really good start to their season and they’re always difficult to play against, so everyone knows we have to push on from our interpro performances to get the win we need.

"Shayne Bolton has settled in really well since arriving from South Africa so he’s deserving of a start, and it’s a special game for Dave Heffernan and Ballina RFC on the day of his 150th appearance.”

The game at the Sportsground kicks off at 7.35pm.

CONNACHT VS OSPREYS
Friday 26th November, The Sportsground (KO: 7.35pm)

Number/Name/Caps (* denotes uncapped)
15. Oran McNulty (2)
14. Alex Wootton (22)
13. Shayne Bolton *
12. Sammy Arnold (21)
11. Mack Hansen (5)
10. Jack Carty (164) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (191)
1. Matthew Burke (28)
2. Dave Heffernan (149)
3. Finlay Bealham (164)
4. Niall Murray (21)
5. Ultan Dillane (119)
6. Jarrad Butler (78)
7. Conor Oliver (25)
8. Paul Boyle (62)

16. Shane Delahunt (105)
17. Jordan Duggan (17)
18. Jack Aungier (18)
19. Oisín Dowling (11)
20. Eoghan Masterson (113)
21. Caolin Blade (135)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (39)
23. Peter Robb (47)


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Andy Friend Connacht Ospreys Rugby Shayne Bolton United Rugby Championship

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