O’Connor returns to captain Connacht

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has named his side for Saturday’s Magners League match with the Scarlets at the Sportsground in Galway, kick-off 7.35pm.

The side remains largely similar to the team that beat Cavalieri Prato in The Sportsground two-weeks ago.

Sean Cronin is on international duty so former London Irish hooker Adrian Flavin starts in his place alongside Jamie Hagan, who is heading back to Leinster next season, and Brett Wilkinson.

The only other change in the starting pack sees Johnny O’Connor return from injury to captain the side.

O’Connor replaces Shane Conneely at openside flanker who has been featuring for Mike Ruddock’s Irish U20 side this season.

Troy Nathan replaces Keith Matthews at inside centre.

Connacht have also been boosted with the re-signing of hooker Adrian Flavin, lock Michael Swift and flanker Ray Ofisa who have all signed contract extensions with the province.

Connacht team: Brett Wilkinson, Adrian Flavin, Jamie Hagan; Michael Swift, Mike McCarthy, Andrew Browne, Johnny O’Connor (C), Mike McComish; Frank Murphy, Ian Keatley; Fionn Carr, Troy Nathan, Niva Ta’auso, Brian Tuohy, Gavin Duffy

Replacements: Dermot Murphy, Dylan Rogers, Rodney Ah You, Bernie Upton, Ray Ofisa, Cillian Willis, Mia Nikora, Shane Monahan