Connacht Rugby have announced the starting XV that will face Aironi this Saturday at the Stadio Zaffanella (kick-off 4.30pm). Head Coach Eric Elwood has picked a similar side to the team that beat Aironi in The Sportsground 2 weeks ago with the only change to the starting XV being Sean Cronin’s return from international duty at hooker. The Limerick native has 44 Magners League caps for Connacht in his 3 seasons and appeared in all of Irelands 6 Nations matches this year bringing his total number of international caps to 12. Mike McCarthy continues his successful partnership with Michael Swift in the second row. McCarthy recently signed a new 2 year deal with the Province and the 29 year olds superb form this season saw him called into the Irish squad and earning his first cap for the Ireland Wolfhounds against the English Saxons.

Miah Nikora’s knee injury ruled him out of contention this weekend and his place is taken by Shane Monahan on the bench in the only other change to the matchday 23.

The match is not being televised but supporters can follow all the action live on the Connacht Rugby Facebook page at www.facebook.com/connachtrugby

Connacht XV to face Aironi – Saturday 26th March Stadio Zaffanella ko 4.30

1 Brett Wilkinson

2 Sean Cronin

3 Jamie Hagan

4 Michael Swift

5 Mike McCarthy

6 Andrew Browne

7 Johnny O’Connor ©

8 Ray Ofisa

9 Frank Murphy

10 Ian Keatley

11 Fionn Carr

12 Troy Nathan

13 Niva Ta’auso

14 Brian Tuohy

15 Gavin Duffy

16 Adrian Flavin

17 Ronan Loughney

18 Rodney Ah You

19 Bernie Upton

20 John Muldoon

21 Cillian Willis

22 Keith Matthews

23 Shane Monahan