2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Michael Scully)
Connacht will be without Cian Prendergast for their Challenge Cup last 16 clash with Cardiff on Saturday - but the skipper will play a part behind the scenes. Prendergast was taken to hospital after suffering a head injury in last weekend's URC defeat to Munster in an incident that earned Alex Nankivell a red card. The Reds have appealed that decision and a hearing will take place this morning to determine if Nankivell will be available for Munster's Champions Cup trip to La Rochelle.
Prendergast stayed in hospital overnight but he may be able to resume training next week as he goes through return to play protocols."He was in first thing Monday morning," said Connacht's interim head coach Cullie Tucker. "He's been around the squad helping us prep.
He’s doing very well and he’s in good spirits. We’re very pleased to say he’s in a good place and all scans checked out clear. He’s well on the road to recovery.
"His knowledge of the lineout and the amount of work he does himself means we’d be silly not to tap into it. John Muldoon has a great working group around the lineout, and Cian is a big part of that. He runs that group well.
" Connacht are boosted by the return of winger Shayne Bolton and scrum-half Ben Murphy to training ahead of the Dexcom Stadium encounter. "It’s knockout rugby, and we’re at home which is a massive advantage," said Tucker. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts .
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