Connacht boosted by duo's return

Connacht have been boosted by the return from injury of utility back Daniel Riordan and hooker Joe Merrigan in a 24-man squad for their opening European Challenge Cup game away to Dax at the Stade Maurice Boyau on Friday.

Coach Michael Bradley has chosen the exact same squad of 22 as a reward for their heroic effort against Leinster in the Magner's League, plus Merrigan and Riordan.

Bradley will point out the futility of beating Leinster unless they can turn that one win into the start of something more consistent.

CONNACHT SQUAD (v Dax): Liam Bibo, Andrew Browne, Kieran Campbell, Fionn Carr, Sean Cronin, Mel Deane, Gavin Duffy, Andrew Farley, John Hearty, Ian Keatley, Ronan Loughney, Michael McCarthy, Joe Merrigan, Robbie Morris, John Muldoon, Frank Murphy, Troy Nathan, John O'Connor, Ray Ofisa, Colm Rigney, Daniel Riordan, Michael Roberts, Michael Swift, Brett Wilkinson.