Muldoon returns for Munster clash

John Muldoon returns from injury to captain Connacht against Munster at the Sportsground on Sunday in a game which has been sold out since before Christmas (kick off 6pm).

Muldoon, who had been out of action since playing against Edinburgh in October, is a major boost ahead of the second derby of the season to be played in Galway.

In all there are five changes to the side which beat Rugby Rovigo last time out before Christmas. Liam Bibo has recovered from a hamstring injury to start on the left wing while Niva Ta’auso will make his first start at outside centre.

Up front Sean Cronin starts at hooker while Colm Rigney returns at number eight.

Connacht team:

G Duffy; T Nathan, N Ta’auso, K Matthews, L Bibo; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, R Morris; M McCarthy, A Farley; J Muldoon (C), R Ofisa, C Rigney.

Replacements: (7 from 8)

A Flavin, R Loughney, A Browne, M Swift, K Campbell, A Dunne, M Deane, F Carr.