Connacht announce a 26-man squad for Ulster

Connacht are boosted by the return of Keith Matthews for the first time since sustaining a calf injury against Glasgow in September and Tim Donnelly returns from long term injury, having been out of action since injuring his shoulder against Edinburgh last season.

Team captain John Muldoon is ruled out with a calf injury. The Connacht team will be confirmed on Thursday morning.

Connacht: Andrew Browne, Kieran Campbell, Fionn Carr, Sean Cronin, Mel Deane, Tim Donnelly, Gavin Duffy, Andy Dunne, Andrew Farley, Adrian Flavin, John Hearty, Ian Keatley, Ronan Loughney, John Lyne, Keith Matthews, Michael McCarthy, Joe Merrigan, Robbie Morris, Frank Murphy, Troy Nathan, Johnny O'Connor, Ray Ofisa, Colm Rigney, Daniel Riordan, Michael Swift, Brett Wilkinson

Not considered due to injury: Liam Bibo (calf), John Muldoon (calf), Michael Roberts (calf), Aidan Wynne (shoulder), Niva Ta'auso (arm)