Roscommon native on the cusp of becoming joint-second in Connacht’s all-time appearance list

History could be made in Rodney Parade on Saturday evening when a County Roscommon native takes his place on the bench for Connacht’s BKT United Rugby Championship meeting with the Dragons (throw-in at 7.45 p.m.).

Former Creggs player, Denis Buckley, is in line to equal Michael Swift’s 269 appearances for the western province, putting him joint-second in Connacht’s all-time appearance list, behind John Muldoon.

Buckley made his debut for the province in September 2011 and has enjoyed a stellar career in the Connacht front row.

Head Coach Stuart Lancaster has also named Brideswell brothers, Darragh and Niall Murray, in the second row, while former Ireland out-half and Barrymore native, Jack Carty, is named on the bench.

Overall, there are just three changes to the side that comprehensively beat Black Lion in the Challenge Cup last week, with Cian Prendergast, Josh Ioane and Bundee Aki coming into the side.