McPhillips and Knoop return for Connacht

Connacht have announced a 24-man squad for their New Years Eve Magners League clash with Munster (KO 4pm).

Conor McPhillips and Stephen Knoop return to the squad from that which played Ulster on St. Stephens Day.

Tickets have been sold out since the week before Christmas after a frenzy of ticket sales. The occasion will also mark the 100th appearance in a Connacht jersey for Andrew Farley, after just three and a half seasons with the side.

Connacht squad to play Munster:

Michael Diffley, Andrew Farley, Adrian Flavin, John Fogarty, David Gannon, John Hearty, Chris Keane, Stephen Knoop, Matt Lacey, Keith Matthews, Mark McHugh, Conor McPhillips, John Muldoon, Ray Ofisa, Conor O'Loughlin, Colm Rigney, Daniel Riordan, Ted Robinson, Brett Sturgess, Michael Swift, Paul Warwick, Brett Wilkinson, Gavin Williams, Darren Yapp.

Unavailable due to injury: Ray Hogan (calf), Ronan Loughney (knee), Joe Merrigan (leg), Matt Mostyn (ankle), Tom Tierney (knee), Ryan Strudwick (calf).