Connacht set for Glasgow Warriors

Andy Friend has made made four changes to the Connacht starting XV for tomorrow’s clash with Glasgow Warriors.

John Porch returns from injury to take his place on the right wing, replacing Diarmuid Kilgallen who has picked up a hamstring strain.

The absence of Jarrad Butler from injury means Oisín Dowling starts in the second row. Josh Murphy moving to blindside flanker and and Cian Prendergast to number 8.

Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki miss out due to illness. Which means there are starts for Byron Ralston and Cathal Forde.

Connacht head into the game knowing a win would guarantee at least a sixth place finish regardless of results elsewhere. Which effectively ensures Heineken Champions Cup rugby next season.

A win would also be Connacht’s 7th straight in the United Rugby Championship, which would be an all-time record for the club in the 20+ year history of the competition.

"Enormous credit must go to the players, coaches and all of the backroom staff that we currently find ourselves in this position” said Director of Rugby Andy Friend.

“Our backs were against the wall after the start we had, so to produce six straight wins, with each game more important than the last”.

“It speaks volumes of the character of the group. We can’t wait for the playoffs but for now it’s all about finishing as high as we can and bringing Champions Cup rugby back to The Sportsground next season”.

“There’ll be plenty of external noise as the results come in tomorrow, but for us the objective won’t change regardless of what happens elsewhere. We know a win gives us at least 6th which would be enough for qualification, so that’s what we’re aiming for."