Connacht missing O'Connor for Rovigo clash

Connacht will have to make do without the considerable contribution of Johnny O'Connor for their European Challenge Cup round four pool one clash against Rugby Rovigo at the Sportsground on Friday (6.30pm).

Ireland international openside O'Connor has been ruled out contention with a calf injury from a 24-man squad. There are also injury concerns over centre Keith Matthews and prop Ronan Loughney.

Brian McGovern and Mel Deane have both been drafted into the squad as extra cover as Michael Bradley seeks to complete a back-to-back double over the Italian club.

Connacht squad: Andrew Browne, Kieran Campbell, Fionn Carr, Sean Cronin, Mel Deane, Tim Donnelly, Gavin Duffy, Andrew Farley, Adrian Flavin, David Gannon, John Hearty, Ian Keatley, Ronan Loughney, John Lyne, Keith Matthews, Michael McCarthy, Brian McGovern, Robbie Morris, Frank Murphy, Troy Nathan, Ray Ofisa, Daniel Riordan, Michael Swift, Brett Wilkinson.