Nel names 24-man squad for Ponty clash

Connacht coach Steph Nel has named a 24 man squad for Saturday's Parker Pen Challenge Cup first leg tie against Pontypridd at Ericsson Park in Athlone (ko 5.30pm).

The squad will be reduced to 22 on Wednesday morning when the side will be named.

In addition to long-term absentees through injury, captain Tim Allnutt and Warwick Waugh, Connacht will be without No.8 John O'Sullivan.

There are also injury concerns about a number of other players including Shane Moore, Damian Browne and Michael Swift, although it is hoped all will be fit for selection.

The squad is: James Norton, Gavin Duffy, Mark McHugh, Ted Robinson, Wayne Munn, Darren Yapp, Shane Moore, Martin McPhail, Eric Elwood, Eoin Reddan, Chris Keane, Ronan McCormack, Dan McFarland, Peter Bracken Marnus Uijs, Jerry Flannery, Damian Browne, Rowan Frost, Michael Swift, Colm Rigney, Eric Peters, Johnny O'Connor, John Muldoon and Alan Maher.