Ospreys announce team to face Connacht

15 Lee Byrne
14 Nikki Walker
13 Sonny Parker
12 Andrew Bishop
11 Tommy Bowe
10 James Hook
9 Rhys Webb
8 Ryan Jones (C)
7 Marty Holah
6 Andy Lloyd
5 Ian Evans
4 Ian Gough
3 Cai Griffiths
2 Huw Bennett
1 Paul James

Replacements:

16 Ed Shervington
17 Duncan Jones
18 Alun-Wyn Jones
19 Filo Tiatia
20 Rhodri Wells
21 Gareth Owen
22 Shane Williams

Injury and squad availability news

The following players are not available for selection due to injury:

Ben Lewis is recovering well after undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery to his right knee and is on target for a November return

Gavin Henson is on target for an early October return to action following keyhole surgery on damaged ankle ligaments. Mike Phillips is on target for an early October return after undergoing surgery to repair damage to his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments. Richard Hibbard is recovering well after recently undergoing minor surgery on his shoulder

Adam Jones has not been considered due to a back injury but will be available for selection against Cardiff Blues next week. Tom Smith suffered a thigh strain in training this week and has not been considered but will be available for selection against Cardiff Blues. Lyndon Bateman has been experiencing a recurring back injury and misses the first week of the season