CONNACHT open their two match tour of Sweden in Stockholm tonight when they meet the Swedish national side.

Connacht will field an experienced side, strengthened by the inclusion of members of their panel who have played at senior representative level in the past with other provinces.

The team for the match tonight includes centres Alan Reddan and Nicky Barry who have both played with Munster Barry has also played with Leinster and former Leinster players in wing Dermot Finnegan, prop Ray Ward and second row Mick O'Neill.

Two other newcomers in the side are former Ireland schools and under 21 international Owen Cobbe, who is now with Wanderers and the Oxford University back row forward Mark Reilly.

The match also marks the comeback to representative level of former Ireland prop Tom Clancy, who was out for most of last season because of injury.

It is hoped that former All Blacks hooker Warren Gatland, who will coach the side in succession to Eddie O'Sullivan, will arrive in Stockholm today in time to see the match.

The second match of the tour against an Exiles team has been brought forward from Saturday to Friday.