CONCUSSION HAS STRUCK hard in Connacht again this week, with Denis Buckley and Peter Robb both doubtful for Saturday’s visit of the Ospreys following knocks to the head last weekend.
Prop Buckley and centre Robb both were forced from the field in Connacht’s disappointing six-try loss to Glasgow Warriors last weekend, and according to coach Pat Lam both players will be monitored this week as they follow their graduated return-to-play protocols.
Connacht are already without Irish international Nathan White and Ben Marshall since last season due to concussions, while Ireland Wolfhounds international Dave McSharry was forced to retire from the game last month, also due to concussion.
Denis Buckley has suffered a concussion,” said Lam this afternoon in Galway, “and Peter Robb sustained a concussion. Again, he will be monitored through the protocols under the supervision of the medical team. Obviously, he’ll be unlikely this week.”
There was more bad news on the injury front for Lam’s side as Nepia Fox-Matamua suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s loss, which has left the squad with just four fit back rows and three fit second rows.
Outside back Rory Parata has also been ruled out for a month due to a knee injury picked up in a club game last weekend, while former Leinster fullback Cian Kelleher (hip pointer) and Caolin Blade (thigh) will be monitored as to their availability.
On the positive side, Ireland international Tiernan O’Halloran is available this weekend following his player welfare stint, while front row Conor Carey is also back after a long injury lay off.
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