Pragmatic Pat Lam adjusts as depleted Connacht brace for Newcastle Falcons battle

Connacht Rugby will take on Newcastle Falcons in this evening’s third round European fixture at the Galway Sportsground (kick-off 7.45pm) with wholesale changes to the starting line-up.

Injuries have forced Pat Lam’s selection hand, with a number of academy players named in the side, including a first senior start for Galwegians’ Sean O’Brien in the back row.

In all there are 10 changes from last week, necessitated by 21 injuries to the current European squad, including captain John Muldoon, and key centre Bundee Aki, who has played every game this season.