Team news: Devine handed first start as Lancaster names Connacht side for Scarlets meeting

Connacht Eagles' John Devine scores a try. Pic: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

Connacht head coach Stuart Lancaster has named his matchday squad for tomorrow’s URC meeting with Scarlets at Dexcom Stadium (kick-off, 7.45pm).

There are five changes from the side that secured a last-minute win over Glasgow Warriors last time out. In the backs, there’s a first start for outside centre John Devine, who made his debut off the bench against Montpellier in January. 

Chay Mullins come onto the left wing, and there’s a first start of the season for Colm Reilly at scrum-half.

The rest of the backs are unchanged, with out-half Josh Ioane, inside centre Cathal Forde, right winger Shane Jennings and full-back Sam Gilbert.

There are two further changes in the pack, with starts for tighthead prop Jack Aungier and blindside flanker Josh Murphy. The front row is completed by Denis Buckley, who makes his 275th appearance, and hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin. The second row partnership of David O’Connor and Joe Joyce continues, while captain Paul Boyle and number eight Sean Jansen complete the squad.

The coaching team have opted for a 6:2 split on the bench, with Seán Naughton covering the back field and Oisín McCormack wearing 23, fresh off a short-term loan spell with Harlequins.

Lancaster said: “Tomorrow is another important game as we aim for playoff rugby, so it’s vital we build on the momentum from the wins over Zebre and Glasgow.

"We have 18 players unavailable between injury and national selection, but as we’ve seen already this season that provides an opportunity for other players to take their chance. John Devine is another exciting prospect to come through the pathway system, and performed very well for the Eagles recently, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do at 13.

"Scarlets are a proud Welsh team who play a good brand of rugby and have picked up some notable wins this season, so we have to be at our best while feeding off the atmosphere in the new stadium.”

Connacht (v Scarlets): Sam Gilbert, Shane Jennings, John Devine, Cathal Forde, Chay Mullins, Josh Ioane, Colm Reilly; Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier, David O’Connor, Joe Joyce, Josh Murphy, Paul Boyle, Sean Jansen.

Replacements: Eoin de Buitlear, Peter Dooley, Fiachna Barrett, Niall Murray, Sean O’Brien, Ben Murphy, Sean Naughton, Oisin McCormack.

Ulster (v Edinburgh): Michael Lowry, Werner Kok, James Hume, Jude Postlethwaite, Zac Ward, Jack Murphy, David Shanahan; Angus Bell, Rob Herring, Tom McAllister, Harry Sheridan, Charlie Irvine, Cormac Izuchukwu, Bryn Ward, Juarno Augustus. 

Replacements: James McCormick, Sam Crean, Scott Wilson, Joe Hopes, David McCann, Conor McKee, Jake Flannery, Ben Carson.