Virus means Quinn Roux a doubt for PRO14 quarter-final
Irish lock Quinn Roux is a doubt for Connacht’s PRO14 quarter-final with Ulster on Saturday week.
The 2016 champions face Munster at Thomond Park this Saturday before they make the trip to Kingspan Stadium the following weekend.
The 28-year-old South African-born lock is certain to miss the trip to Limerick and may be ruled out of the Belfast fixture as he battles a virus.
“Unfortunately, Quinn is not okay to go this week,” explained head coach Andy Friend. “He is still having those symptoms that he had last time. We would have hoped to say that he was clear of that virus but we will now have to wait until next week.”
Connacht have been boosted by the return of tighthead Finlay Bealham who missed their crucial 29-22 win over Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground on April 13. He suffered a horrific hand injury in Connacht’s Challenge Cup quarter-final at Sale which threatened to end his season but he has made a swift recovery. And Friend revealed a new tighthead is set to join the province as they prepare for the departure of Conor Carey to Worcester Warriors.
“Finlay is likely to be okay. He has made an incredible recovery from that hand injury. He is full of energy and wants to get back in there. There is every chance we will look to select him this week. Those three tightheads have done very well for us: Finlay has played for his country this year while the development of Dominic Robertson-McCoy has been fantastic. Conor is moving on next year but he is full of beans.
“We have got Paddy McAllister already coming in, as a loosehead, and Matthew Burke stepping up from the academy along with Conor Kenny.
“We do have another tighthead signing to announce as well.”
Connacht have already secured Champions Cup rugby for next season but there is still an opportunity to win the second piece of silverware in the history of the club with the PRO14 title. Friend hinted that Bundee Aki might play against Munster, with fellow international Kieran Marmion also in the mix after he recovered from a head knock he picked up against Cardiff.
“Bundee Aki is certainly in the mix. At the moment we are still having a good think about our selection,” said Friend. “Kieran Marmion is fine, he is looking fast and keen to get out there. He is a real competitor and you see that in the way he plays.”
