Samoan brothers return for Connacht

Connacht have announced a 27-man squad ahead of their Magners League clash against the Cardiff Blues on Friday (kick off: 6.30pm).

Samoan brothers, Ray Ofisa and Ofisa Treviranus are both included in the squad for the first time since before Christmas, having overcome their respective injuries and played very well in Connacht's ‘A' match against Enisei STM last week.

Another major boost, is the return of backrow Michael McCarthy, who has also been out for the last four weeks.

Connacht squad:

Liam Bibo, Andrew Browne, Mel Deane, Gavin Duffy, Andrew Dunne, Peter Durcan, Andrew Farley, Adrian Flavin, John Fogarty, David Gannon, Ronan Loughney, Michael McCarthy, Conor McPhillips, Keith Matthews, Kevin Moran, Robbie Morris, Matt Mostyn, John Muldoon, Troy Nathan, John O'Connor, Ray Ofisa, Colm Rigney, Daniel Riordan, Rob Shaw, Ofisa Treviranus, Brett Wilkinson, Darren Yapp.

Not considered due to injury:

John Hearty (hip), John Lyne (hand), Brian McGovern (ankle), Joe Merrigan (ankle), Conor O'Loughlin (shoulder), Michael Swift (kidney), Aidan Wynne (hamstring).