Kildare duo Prendergast and Duggan named on Connacht bench for new coach Lancaster's first game in charge
Kildare's Cian Prendergast and Jordan Duggan have both been named on the bench for Stuart Lancaster's first URC game in charge of Connacht. Photo: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
New Connacht Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has named Kildare’s Cian Prendergast and Jordan Duggan in his very first 23 for the province's opening game of the season as they begin their BTK United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign tomorrow (Saturday, September 27) against Benetton.
There is no room on the starting XV for either player as Lancaster has opted to name both among his replacements.
Prendergast was named Connacht captain last season and earned another Irish cap during the summer against Portugal. He will be hopeful of another massive year for Connacht and Ireland, but must content himself with a spot on the bench where he will cover the back row as part of a 6/2 split.
At 27, Newbridge man Duggan is still young for a prop, and starts as loose-head cover against Benetton as he looks to earn more time on the field this season.
Lancaster cemented his place as a coaching icon here in Ireland thanks to his influential time with Leinster.
While is spell in Paris as the Head Coach of Racing didn't work out, the former England boss will be hoping to bring Connacht on to the next level.
Italian side Benetton will provide stiff opposition for the western province in this season opener at the newly refurbished Dexcom Stadium.
Connacht are back in Galway next week when they host Welsh side Scarlets.
