Connacht Suffer Massive Injury Blow

Connacht have suffered a massive injury blow with Pat Lam revealing that Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney and Matt Healy all face extended periods on the sidelines.

The western province head into the Champions Cup this weekend off the back of a terrific win over Ulster at the Sportsground this past weekend, but will head into the fixture with a hugely depleted squad.

Buckley faces a minimum of eight weeks out after sustaining a knee injury in the victory over Edinburgh a fortnight ago while Ireland winger Healy and McCartney also face similar layoffs.

Healy broke his hand in the same game and Lam confirmed after Friday’s win over Ulster that both he and McCartney (hamstring) will be out of action for two months.

“They’re big blows,” the Connacht head coach said.

“It just makes it difficult because we want the squad, it’s a tough October. We’ve ticked one off but Toulouse here, Zebre away and Leinster. Ideally as a coach you want as many hands on deck.