Rugby News

Mayo rugby star to make debut for Connacht

December 6, 2024

THERE is excitement in the air in Mayo rugby circles this afternoon after news broke that Geesala’s Fiachna Barrett has been named on the bench for Connacht’s European Challenge Cup opener against Zebre in Galway on Saturday night.

The prop forward who came through the ranks at Ballina RFC is one of three players set to make their debut in front of the home crowd.

Winger Chay Mullins, who has been named to start on the right wing, and Barrett and Galway out-half Sean Naughton, who will be added from the bench, will all get their first caps as Pete Wilkins’ side look to start the campaign with a win.

There are also major milestones for Caolin Blade and Paul Boyle, with both players making their 200th and 100th appearances for the province respectively. Monivea native Blade first made his debut in May 2014 and last week scored his 50th try for the club, becoming only the second player after Matt Healy to reach the milestone. Boyle meanwhile first played for the club in January 2018, and like Blade has gone on to receive international caps.

The match kicks off at 8pm.

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