Connacht kicked off their season in the South West of France against last year’s Top 14 finalists Castres
Carlow’s Tom Daly played the whole game as captain however there was no sign of fellow county man Charlie ward in the 57-19 loss.
Irrespective of the result it was no doubt a proud moment for Tom, whose last campaign was hampered by injury and suspension. Torn knee ligaments ruled him out for ten weeks in November then upon his return he received a three-match ban after being sent off against Leinster in March.
Embed from Getty ImagesSee also: Carlow’s Tom Daly signs new two-year contract with Connacht
Despite this, the province rates him highly, as he was the previous season’s Player’s Player and Supporter’s Player of the year, which resulted in him being offered a new two-year contract last December.
For Ward, the former Irish U20 international prop is in his second year with the side, having made one appearance last year.
Listen to our interview with Tom on our Knock On podcast:
