Though I have my doubts an A game in Italy is much of a step up from AIL, it's good that the lads involved with the Connacht squad are getting the game time. For instance it's better for Jarvis to get time at 10 rather than be on the bench with the senior side to fill in somewhere in the back line. Maguire definitely could use a looking over and if the Italians are going to present a challenge it will be in the front row.

A few weeks ago I remember McCrea twitting that he was good to go when the word from the Connacht camp was he was doubtful through injury. I wonder if that caused some friction or maybe I have that wrong and Eric just prefers Tuohy to Mark and it's as simple as that.

I agree, we could regret it, I think I would also start mcCrae ahead of Touhey, but as no one seems to know why he is not involved or what is going on with him, I will stay Stuum.

There's no way Jarvis should be going to Italy instead of London!!

Really disappointed to see mccrea & jarvis in this squad. there must be something there doing on the traing pitch

That's a very, very, very nice team.

McCrea and Jarvis shouldn't be in it, though!

Connacht 'A' to face Rugby Reggio

New signing Kyle Tonetti has been drafted straight into the Connacht 'A' team to face Rugby Reggio this Saturday at 2.30pm in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The former Leinster centre has spent the past season with Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks where he made 14 league appearances scoring a try against Connacht's Heineken Cup opponents Harlequins. He starts in the number 13 jersey next to U20 star Tadhg Leader. They are flanked on either wing by the experienced Mark McCrea and the exciting Callum Boland. Rising star Shane Layden completes the back three. The Leitrim native scored a try for Buccaneers in their victory over Ballinahinch last weekend and made his debut for the Connacht senior team in the trip to face Leinster in the RDS back in October. There is also an experienced look to the half backs with former Harlequins scrum half Dave Moore teaming up with Matthew Jarvis. The 21 year old former Osprey has made six appearances for the Connacht senior team so far this season scoring 21 points.
The Front Row sees former Ireland U19 hooker Kevin O'Byrne joined by 6'4" 130kg Stewart Maguire and Ireland U20 World Cup prop Finlay Bealham. The second row see's Buccaneers duo Mick Kearney and Danny Qualter renew a partnership that was so impressive in this summer's U20 World Cup. The backrow sees Eoghan Grace start in the number seven shirt. He made his senior debut against Ulster in Ravenhill last Saturday and played for the 'A' team in their defeat to Munster two weeks ago. He is joined by Ireland U20 stars Dave Heffernan and Eoin McKeon. McKeon made his senior debut against the Scarlets two seasons ago and went on to play in the Famous win over Samoa last year.
Connacht 'A' XV v Rugby Reggio, Saturday 2.30pm, Italy:
15. Shane Layden
14. Mark McCrea
13. Kyle Tonetti
12. Tadhg Leader
11. Callum Boland
10. Matthew Jarvis
9. Dave Moore
1. Finlay Bealham
2. Kevin O'Byrne
3. Stewart Maguire
4. Mick Kearney
5. Danny Qualter
6. Dave Heffernan
7. Eoghan Grace
8. Eoin McKeon

16. Dermot Murphy
17. Paul Griffin
18. Jamie Stephens
19. Brian Moylett
20. Aaron Conneely
21. Kieran Marmion
22. Jack Carty
23. Finn Gormley

Has anyone any link to the team to play Rugby Regio? Should have been announced by now.