Connacht's preparations for their opening European Shield clash with Ebbw Vale were dealt a blow yesterday with the possibility of having to withdraw their newly-recruited scrum-half John O'Reilly.
The Connacht Branch were trying to get clearance for the former English under-21 player who was only recruited this week, and European Rugby Cup officials were still adjudicating on an objection to his eligibility last night.
With the province having already lost both Conor McGuinness and Stephen McIvor to injury, coach Glenn Ross had hoped to fill the gap in this critical area by recruiting the 23-year-old from Manchester RFC. Now that O'Reilly is unlikely to start, Connacht will be forced to play their under-21 scrum-half, David Mescal, while another new player, Blackrock's James Ferris, is expected to come onto the replacement bench.
Having already introduced four new players to the squad, it is hardly the preparation Connacht needed, particularly after suffering their worst interprovincial season in history. However, Ross is maintaining a brave face, believing the physical presence of former Connacht favourite Junior Charlie and Ian Dillon should provide a fillip for the team. Ross says the team is determined to look forward, with the European Shield giving the players a chance to salvage some respectability for themselves and the province.
When they face Ebbw Vale in Wales this evening, they know they will be up against it. The Welsh side is a talented outfit that competes in the new Welsh/Scottish premier division, and currently sits in fifth position out of 12 teams. Along with Toulon they are regarded as the strongest in the pool.
The new-look Connacht back row of Charlie, Dillon, and Barry Gavin will have its work cut out against a side that contains a Danish and three Tongan internationals - lock Kuli Faletau, prop Damien Peninsini, and full back Siua Tau malolo. The second row also boasts former Welsh international, 33-years-old Mark Jones.
With a big strong pack and home advantage, Ebbw Vale will be hard to roll over.
