Connacht Faces Perpignan in Challenge Cup

Connacht Rugby is set to face Perpignan in the EPCR Challenge Cup, aiming to build on their recent 43-12 victory over Zebre. Despite the absence of key Ireland internationals Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki, and Finlay Bealham, captain Cian Prendergast returns to lead a changed squad with nine alterations from the previous match. Connacht's head coach Pete Wilkins emphasized the importance of securing an away win for qualification in their pool, acknowledging the challenge posed by Perpignan's passionate home crowd. The French team, struggling in their domestic league with only four wins from 11 matches, recently drew with the Cheetahs in their opening cup game. Connacht's lineup includes debutant Andrew Smith and returns for experienced players like Denis Buckley and Joe Joyce. The match is scheduled to kick off at 1 PM Irish time.