McCarthy returns for Connacht’s meeting with Gloucester

Eric Elwood has made two changes to the matchday 23 for Gloucester’s visit to the Sportsground on Saturday (1.30pm), with just one change in the starting lineup.

Lock Mike McCarthy returns from suspension to replace the injured Michael Swift in the secondrow. He will be partnered by big George Naoupu whilst the athletic backrow of Dave Gannon, John Muldoon and Ray Ofisa will continue the hard graft of the loose forwards. An uncompromising front row of Brett Wilkinson, Ethienne Reynecke and Ronan Loughney complete the pack.