Connacht confirm ACL injury for out-half JJ Hanrahan

Connacht have been dealt a huge blow, with confirmation that out-half JJ Hanrahan has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The out-half was carted from the pitch in the final quarter of his side's bonus-point win over the Dragons on 27 April, having been shouldered off the ball by Dragons full-back Jordan Williams.

The province have confirmed Hanrahan will undergo surgery later this month, and head coach Pete Wilkins does not expect to see him return until early 2025.

"Obviously, it's really disappointing for him," Wilkins told RTÉ Sport.

"I think a player of his experience, from different clubs and being around programmes, he’s seen these types of injuries before, he understands the context of it, but when it’s yourself it’s a huge blow.

"First and foremost we have to look after him. If there’s a positive within it, it’s that a good chunk of the weeks he’ll miss will be off-season and pre-season and the injury as well is relatively clean. There’ll be an ACL repair, but there isn't further damage or complications with the knee.

"It’s a blow, JJ’s been terrific for us, and we’ll certainly miss him in the time he’s not with us. Having said that, we'll be tapping into his knowledge and leadership rugby-wise while he’s out."

The 31-year-old Kerryman (below) has been one of Connacht's key players since joining from the Dragons last summer, and had usurped club captain Jack Carty as first choice 10 for Wilkins' side, while also covering as a full-back on occasion.

Hanrahan had played all but two games this season across the BKT United Rugby Championship and European competition, scoring three tries among 137 points.

To soften the blow for Connacht, Carty has returned to full training ahead of this Saturday's meeting with