Keith Matthews will celebrate his 100th cap when he lines out for Connacht this Friday against Edingburgh The 28 year old centre joined Connacht from Munster in 2005 and has been a regular feature in the Connacht squad.
“I was on a development contract down in Munster when Brads (Michael Bradley) phoned me and offered me a spot, I jumped at the chance to play regular Magners League and haven’t looked back since.”
“It’s taken a while to get to this milestone; I’ve had a few injuries along the way. Amongst other injuries I damaged my crutiate ligament against Munster in ‘07 and was out for 9 months so that didn’t help but I’m delighted to reach 100 caps for Connacht, it’s a huge personal achievement.”
Keith made his debut in Connacht’s 13 – 9 victory over the Cardiff Blues in September ‘05 alongside John Muldoon, Current Assistant Coach Dan McFarland and Video Analyst Conor McPhillips. He has scored 14 tries for the Province and set up dozens more with his hard running and ferocious tackling.
“I’ve been involved in some great games over the years, beating Munster here at The Sportsground 2 years ago, beating Bourgoin in the quarter final of the Amlin Challenge Cup here last season and captaining the side against Munster on St Stephens Day this year. Hopefully there’ll be many more to come, I’m enjoying my rugby more than ever and playing some of the best rugby of my career so I’ve no intention of giving up just yet!”
Matthews was part of Michael Bradleys 2009 Ireland ‘A’ side which won the Churchill Cup, beating England Saxons in the final. That team also included Connacht’s John Muldoon and Sean Cronin.
Hooker Adrian Flavin could also earn his 100th cap this weekend. The 5’11, 102kg number 2 from Harrow in London joined Connacht in 2006. He will feature from the bench for the match this weekend
Connacht face Edinburgh this Friday in round 19 of the Magners League. Kick- off is at 7.45 in The Sportsground and the match is being shown live on TG4.
