Cronin and Duffy in Connacht squad

Ireland internationals Sean Cronin and Gavin Duffy have been included in the Connacht 26-man squad ahead of their first Magners League clash of the new season against the Newport Gwent Dragons this Saturday in the Sportsground, Galway.

There will be late fitness tests for a number of players which gives some of the younger squad members the opportunity for inclusion.

Dermot Murphy will join as cover at hooker, Aidan Wynne covers the back-line while Adam Kennedy adds an extra option at scrumhalf.

Captain John Muldoon (broken arm), Robbie Morris (back), Johnny O’Connor (back) are long term casualties.

CONNACHT SQUAD (v The Dragons): Ronan Loughney, Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Dermot Murphy, Adrian Flavin, Rob Sweeney, Jamie Hagan, Dave Nolan, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton, Michael McCarthy, Ray Ofisa, Mike McComish, Ezra Taylor, Cillian Willis, Adam Kennedy, Frank Murphy, Miah Nikora, Ian Keatley, Fionn Carr, Keith Matthews, Niva Ta’auso, Tiernan O’Halloran, Aidan Wynne, Troy Nathan, Gavin Duffy.