Connacht open their Parker Pen European Challenge Cup campaign this weekend in the south of France when they take on Beziers in the first leg of the tie at Stade de la Mediterranee on Sunday.
The province shows five changes from that which lost to Gwent Dragons in the Celtic League last time out. Three of the changes are in the backline with captain Tim Allnutt returning in the centre and Mark McHugh reverting to full-back.
Eric Elwood and Chris Keane return at half-back, while up front Mike McCarthy comes into the second row for the injured Andrew Farley, while in the back row Matt Lacey starts at openside.
Aside from Farley, others ruled out through injury include Paul Neville, Wayne Munn and Ray Hogan. Indeed, Hogan is out for the rest of the season with a cruciate ligament injury. It is a huge blow to the young Galwegians prop who had made a big impact in his first season with the province.
Connacht coach Michael Bradley said he is looking forward to the challenge of facing French opposition. "It is great to be playing a French side because while the Celtic League provides us with plenty of intense games, the Parker Pen Challenge Cup means we will be up against fresh opposition and a fresh challenge. We are really looking forward to this match," he said.
Beziers, who played in the Heineken Cup last year, have made an excellent start to the new season and currently lead their pool in the French championship ahead of the likes of European champions Toulouse, runners-up Perpignan and Biarrritz.
Connacht(v Beziers): M. McHugh; M. Mostyn, D. Yapp, T. Allnutt (capt.), C. McPhillips; E. Elwood, C. Keane; D. McFarland, B. Jackman, A. Clarke; M. McCarthy, D. Browne; M. Swift, M. Lacey, J. O'Sullivan. Replacements: J. Fogarty, F. Boiroux, J. Muldoon, T. Carter, M. Walls, D. Hewitt, T. Robinson.