MUNSTER-BOUND WINGER Diarmuid Kilgallen has been dominated out for the rest of Connacht’s season having undergone surgical procedure on a shoulder damage suffered in opposition to Benetton the weekend earlier than final.
Connacht return to Treviso subsequent Sunday on a revenge mission, this time within the quarter-finals of the Problem Cup, however they are going to achieve this with out the 23-year-old from Kildare and plenty of different gamers.
Head coach Pete Wilkins mentioned it was a disappointing method for Kilgallen to convey the curtain down on his spell with Connacht the place he scored 12 tries in his 23 appearances since making his debut off the bench in opposition to Munster in 2020.
“It’s disappointing, he’s had an terrible run with accidents over the previous couple of seasons and it’s not the best way he would have wished to complete this chapter, so we’re supporting him in each method we will.
“Whereas any of our gamers are contracted with us all through to the summer time they are going to be rehabbing with us,” mentioned Wilkins.
Skilled former captain Jarrad Butler has been dominated out of the journey to Italy as he’s present process the return to play protocol after struggling a head damage early within the 40-30 win over Pau on Sunday night.
And winger Shayne Bolton can be dominated out after struggling a thigh damage in that comeback win when scoring a attempt which introduced Connacht again into rivalry early within the second-half.
“It’s a giant blow to lose him. He has been one of many finds of the season for us. We’ve all the time recognized the uncooked supplies had been there, however I feel the main focus and professionalism he has proven this 12 months to begin making use of that and transferring it to video games has been actually thrilling and spectacular and I’m gutted for him that it seems to be pretty severe.
“He obtained his alternative as a result of Mack Hansen wasn’t there and Santi Cordero wasn’t there. Another person will now decide up the baton, Andrew Smith has performed it in video games this season and we’ll roll on. That’s a part of rugby.
“I’m disillusioned for Jarrad as nicely with the pinnacle knock as a result of he began the sport nicely and he’s a giant chief for us,” added Wilkins.
Scrum-half Michael McDonald, on mortgage from Ulster for the season, has additionally been dominated out till the tip of Might after present process surgical procedure on a foot damage, whereas a neck damage has dominated tighthead prop Jack Aungier for this weekend.
Irish winger Hansen is on track to return for the URC recreation in opposition to the Dragons later this month, whereas Puma Cordero could possibly be obtainable for his debut earlier than the tip of the season after struggling a severe knee damage in his first week on the Sportsground final summer time.
