Hansen returns to Connacht team for interpro derby in Belfast

Mack Hansen returns to the starting XV ahead of the interpro derby as Connacht make the trip to Belfast to take on Ulster in Kingspan Stadium. Kick-off is 7.35 p.m. this evening (Friday).

The Irish international missed last weekend's game through injury but is available again as Connacht are back in BKT United Rugby Championship action. He starts at full-back, with Shayne Bolton and Byron Ralston on the wings.

Including Hansen, there are seven changes overall to the starting team that faced Saracens last weekend.

It's all change in the front row, with Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy and Finlay Bealham in. Joe Joyce comes in to partner Darragh Murray in the second row, while in the back row, Shamus Hurley-Langton and Sean O'Brien are in.

Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins said: “Interpro weeks always create a special buzz around the Connacht squad, and an away game in Belfast is no different. Ulster will be high on confidence after their European win last week and will be relishing another game at home, but we are fully aware of what it takes to compete against them in that environment and everyone is looking forward to the game.

“We have selected a matchday 23 that has enough consistency to build on the positives within our Saracens performance whilst providing enough freshness to deliver the type of energy and physicality that plays such an important role in these types of encounters.”

The Connacht starting XV is as follows: Mack Hansen, Shayne Bolton, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean O'Brien.

The replacements' bench includes Mayo man Dave Heffernan alongside Peter Dooley, Jack Aungier, Gavin Thornbury, Conor Oliver, Michael McDonald, J.J. Hanrahan and Shane Jennings.