Team news: Jack Carty to captain Connacht against Stade Francais

Jack Carty of Connacht during the United Rugby Championship match between Leinster and Connacht at the RDS Arena in Dublin. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Jack Carty will skipper Connacht in their Heineken Champions Cup opener against Stade Francais at the Sportsground on Sunday (1pm) with head coach Andy Friend making five changes to the side which went down to Leinster last weekend.

Club captain Jarrad Butler continues at No.8 but Friend’s policy this season of having different leaders on the pitch sees Carty lead the side out.