Connacht name team for URC opener with Ulster

Gavin Thornbury will captain Connacht for the first time in tomorrow’s BKT URC opener against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium.

The lock will make his 64th appearance for the province in a squad that includes three debutants.

Peter Dooley, Josh Murphy and Byron Ralston have all been handed their first Connacht cap. Shamus Hurley-Langton and David Hawkshaw are also potential debutants off the bench.

Dooley is named in a front row with Jack Aungier and hooker Dave Heffernan, while Leva Fifita partners Thornbury in the second row. The pack is completed by flanker Conor Oliver and number 8 Paul Boyle.

Kieran Marmion and Conor Fitzgerald are paired together at 9 and 10, while the two Toms; Daly and Farrell start at centre. Ralston’s first game will be on the right wing, John Porch on the opposite wing and Tiernan O’Halloran at full-back.

"We’ve had a very positive pre-season and there’s now a huge sense of excitement among the group” said director of rugby Andy Friend.

“There’s a genuine belief and optimism about what we can achieve in this first block of games, which all starts in Belfast tomorrow night”.

“Ulster are a quality side and our battles against them are always hard fought. We’re really looking forward going head-to-head with them in what should be a great season opener for us both."

Connacht