Rugby: Connacht will look to celebrate the achievements of two centurions with a win over Edinburgh at The Sportsground on Friday night (7.45pm).
Centre Keith Matthews will make his 100th appearances for the province when he lines out against the Scots, while hooker Adrian Flavin also hopes to reach a ton with an introduction from the bench.
Matthews joined the province from Munster in 2005 and today recalled the journey to tomorrow’s milestone.
“I was on a development contract down in Munster when Brads (Michael Bradley) phoned me and offered me a spot,” said the 28 year old. “I jumped at the chance to play regular Magners League and haven’t looked back since.
“It’s taken a while to get to this milestone; I’ve had a few injuries along the way. Amongst other injuries I damaged my cruciate ligament against Munster in ‘07 and was out for nine months so that didn’t help but I’m delighted to reach 100 caps for Connacht, it’s a huge personal achievement.”
He added: “I’ve been involved in some great games over the years, beating Munster here at The Sportsground two years ago, beating Bourgoin in the quarter-final of the Amlin Challenge Cup here last season and captaining the side against Munster on St Stephen’s Day this year.
“Hopefully there’ll be many more to come, I’m enjoying my rugby more than ever and playing some of the best rugby of my career so I’ve no intention of giving up just yet.”
Londoner Flavin joined Connacht in 2006 but remains behind departing hooker Seán Cronin in the pecking order for tomorrow.
Cronin leaves for Leinster at the end of the season but Connacht have moved quickly to recruit cover, and more competition for Flavin, with the signing of South African Ethienne Reynecke from Saracens.
The former Golden Lions player has been two years with Saracens, has played against the Lions (2009) in South Africa and appeared in the Currie Cup as well as the Vodacom Cup.
He is currently on loan to The Stormers from Saracens in South Africa and will join Connacht on a 2 year deal at the end of the season.
"I'm very excited at the prospect of going to Ireland, especially Galway,” said Reynecke. “Connacht has shown this season they are serious about establishing a strong and successful rugby culture there, and I intend giving my all to contribute to the cause."
Head coach Eric Elwood added: “With Seán moving on at the end of the season we needed cover at hooker and we are very pleased to sign a player of Ethienne’s calibre, especially in such a crucial position. He is an experienced player who we are confident can offer a lot to Connacht.”
Connacht (V Edinburgh):
G Dufffy; B Tuohy, T Nathan, K Matthews, F Carr; I Keatley, F Murphy; R Loughney, S Cronin, J Hagan; M McCarthy, B Upton; A Browne, J O’Connor, R Ofisa. Replacements: A Flavin, B Wilkinson, R Ah You, M McComish, J Muldoon, M Dolan, E Griffin, S Monahan.
