Thumb surgery will keep Andrew Smith sidelined for six to eight weeks. Dan Sheridan/INPHO

Smith and Bolton ruled out until early new year for Connacht but Ioane returns for Dublin trip

Meanwhile, Leinster duo Jordan Larmour and Thomas Clarkson could be a doubt for the URC clash.

LAST UPDATE | 17 Dec 2024

CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that backs Andrew Smith and Shayne Bolton will miss the Christmas interpros with their respective injuries due to keep them out until early 2025.

Back row Seán O’Brien, meanwhile, will undergo an MRI which will determine the extent of the thigh injury he suffered in Sunday’s bonus-point win away to Perpignan in the Challenge Cup.

Smith, making his first appearance of the season, suffered a thumb injury in the same game and the consequent surgery is set to keep him sidelined for between six and eight weeks.

Bolton is aiming to return from a foot injury by the end of January following consultation with a specialist last week.

In better news for Pete Wilkins and the western province, Josh Ioane (ankle) and Piers O’Conor (hamstring) have both returned to full training and are available for selection against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Leinster duo Jordan Larmour and Thomas Clarkson will undergo further assessment this week ahead of that clash with Connacht after picking up injuries recently.

Liam Turner is unavailable for selection due to an ankle problem which he picked up against ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Close
4 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel