Connacht open their Celtic League campaign Saturday

Connacht open their Celtic League campaign this Saturday when they entertain Edinburgh at the Galway Sportsground in a game which kicks-off at 4pm.

The Ireland/Scotland rugby match will be shown on television screens throughout the new stand from 1.30pm, while the Republic of Ireland European Championship game against Russia will also be shown on the multitude of screens in the new facility.

Five players will make their competitive debuts for Connacht this Saturday as Michael Bradley¹s men strive to make it a winning start to the competition for the third year running.

Conor McPhillips is selected on the right-wing in a backline that has a familiar look to it, with Tim Allnutt again captaining the side and Eric Elwood commencing his sixteenth campaign with his native province.

Warren O¹Kelly and Adrian Clarke are selected as props in a front row that sees Bernard Jackman back in Connacht colours having left there to join Sale Sharks a few seasons ago.

Former Australian U-21 Andrew Farley partners Damian Browne in the second row while Matt Lacey is chosen at No 8.

Injury has ruled out Peter Bracken, Mike Walls, Matt Mostyn, Justin Meagher and John Muldoon.

Saturday¹s game will also see Bank of Ireland, main sponsors of the Connacht Rugby side, renew their backing for the team on Saturday at a function prior to the match in the new stand.

A large crowd is expected for this game with tickets on sale during the week from the Connacht Branch offices in the Sportsground (091-561568).

The Connacht Rugby Supporters Club will also have a stand at Saturday¹s game as they continue to recruit members for the new club.

Connacht (v Edinburgh):

M. McHugh; C McPhillips, D Yapp, T Allnutt (captain), W Munn; E Elwood, C Keane; W O'Kelly,

B Jackman, A Clarke; D Browne, A Farley; M Swift, J O'Sullivan, M Lacey.

Replacements: J Fogarty, D McFarland, M McCarthy, M Carroll, D Hewitt, C. O'Loughlin, T Robinson.