Connacht name extended squad for Heineken Cup debut

Connacht Rugby have released a 26-man squad ahead of their first ever Heineken Cup clash away to Harlequins in the Stoop on Friday Night (8pm).

The squad sees the return of centre Eoin Griffin as well as Samoan duo Ray Ofisa and Henry Fa'afilli who all sat out the trip to Belfast last weekend with injuries. Youngster Dave McSharry hangs on to his place in the squad having impressed in his first start against Ulster.

While this is Connacht's first game in the competition, the squad boasts considerable Heineken Cup experience. Captain Gavin Duffy, who spent three seasons at Harlequins including the 2004/05 Heineken Cup campaign, is one of five players who have played in the competition previously.

Scrum Halves Frank Murphy and Paul O'Donohoe have played for Leicester Tigers and Leinster respectively while TJ Anderson and Niall O'Connor have both played Heineken Cup rugby for Ulster.

Connacht Squad:

Forwards: B Wilkinson, R Loughney, R Ah You, D Rogers, A Flavin, E Reynecke, D Gannon, M Swift, M McCarthy, TJ Anderson, E Grace, J Muldoon, R Ofisa, G Naoupu.

Backs: F Murphy, P O'Donohoe, N O'Connor, M Nikora, H Fa'afili, E Griffin, D McSharry, T O'Halloran, F Vainikolo, B Tuohy, M Jarvis, G Duffy.