Stuart Lancaster’s intention to give youth a fling in his first season in Connacht looks set to be continued in their remaining two pool matches away to Montpellier and home to Montauban over the next two weekends. “It's been a long few days, a lot of time for reflection,” said Muldoon. You're going to have occasions where you'll make little mistakes with some inexperienced players but the key is try not to repeat them. Injuries to the likes of Mack Hansen, Byron Ralston, Sean Naughton and Shane Jennings have stretched matters in the back three, while there are similar problems in the back row. Irish internationals such as Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Cian Prendergast will also need to be managed this month.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2026 20:04 UTC