O'Connor and Naoupu return to Connacht squad

Experienced duo Johnny O’Connor and George Naoupu have today been named in Connacht’s 26-man squad to face Ulster in the Sportsground on Saturday (5.15pm).

Winger James Loxton has also returned to match fitness and is named among the backs.

Eric Elwood has shown confidence in academy props Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham with both players earning a call up to the squad.

Head Coach Elwood will announce the starting XV and replacements tomorrow at mid-day.

Forwards: Brett Wilkinson, Ronan Loughney, Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Rodney Ah You, Adrian Flavin, Ethienne Reynecke, Michael Swift, Mick Kearney, Mike McCarthy, John Muldoon, Ray Ofisa, Johnny O’Connor, George Naoupu.

Backs: Frank Murphy, Dave Moore, Paul O’Donohoe, Miah Nikora, Matthew Jarvis, Fetu’u Vainikolo, Tiernan O’Halloran, James Loxton, Eoin Griffin, Henry Fa’afili, Kyle Tonetti Gavin Duffy.