Jackman returns as Connacht seek a change of luck in Athlone

Connacht have made three changes to the team that played against Borders for Friday's Celtic League game against Llanelli Scarlets at Dubarry Park in Athlone.

Hooker John Fogarty suffered a slight medial strain to knee ligaments so his place is taken by Bernard Jackman while Matt Lacey returns to the back row because number eight John O'Sullivan is suspended. Lacey will start at seven with John Muldoon moving to the middle of the back row.

O'Sullivan has picked up three yellow cards in the Celtic League to date and is suspended for one match. Ted Robinson is recalled to the backline with Darren Yapp moving to the centre in place of the injured Mark McHugh. The latter underwent a scope on a knee to remove debris and is sidelined for 10 days.

Connacht, who will name their replacements later in the week, will be hoping for a change of fortune at Dubarry Park as their three previous Celtic League fixtures there all ended in defeat.

Team manager Tim Allnutt admitted: "The facilities at Dunbarry are first class but we will be hoping to break that jinx. The break from playing was a bit of a double-edged sword. It allowed players to get some rest after a hectic schedule but it also stopped the momentum.

"Llanelli will be a tough side to beat even without their international players. In those circumstances you often find that the rest of the players pick up the slack."

To facilitate supporters travelling from Galway, the Connacht rugby supporters club and Bus Éireann have announced details of a coach service.

A coach will leave Galway station on Friday at 5 p.m. with pick-up points en route where required. The return fare is 10 and places are limited.

For more information contact Ann Heneghan at (087) 2438230 or email annheneghansolicitors.ie.

Leinster have included Eric Miller and Guy Easterby in a 26-man squad for Saturday night's game against Edinburgh at Murrayfield. It is a quick return for the two players who came on as replacements at the Scottish venue during last Saturday's Six Nations match.

None of the starting Ireland team will be available to their provinces - a decree from the national team management - but those on the bench at the weekend will be.

Shane Jennings and Des Dillon have both recovered from injury while there is also a place in the enlarged squad for Christian Warner. Emmett Byrne, who suffered a thigh injury in the last match against the Gwent Dragons, misses out.

There is a place for Brian Blaney in an enlarged squad that will be trimmed after the captain's run on Friday, prior to travelling to Scotland.

Ulster were hoping that new father Kevin Maggs would be available to them for their trip to Wales, where they face the Gwent Dragons, but by virtue of playing a full match against Scotland, he is not now available.

Maggs raced away from Murrayfield immediately after the game and demonstrated his usual impeccable timing in arriving for the birth of his daughter.

Munster won't announce a team until later in the week but they will have Marcus Horan, Frankie Sheahan and Donncha O'Callaghan available for selection. John Kelly could return after a long-standing foot injury.

Coach Alan Gaffney, who over the weekend confirmed that he had allowed his name to go forward for the next Super 14 franchise in Perth, Australia, will be hoping that his charges can beat Glasgow at Thomond Park and pick up a bonus point to close the gap on Celtic League leaders Neath/Swansea Ospreys.

CONNACHT: M Mostyn; C McPhillips, P Warwick, D Yapp, T Robinson; D Slemen, T Tierney; R Hogan, B Jackman, P Bracken, C Short, A Farley (capt), M Swift, J Muldoon, M Lacey.

LEINSTER SQUAD: J Lyne, P Coyle, R Nebbett, D Blaney, B Blaney, G Hickie, B Gissing, C Potts, A McCullen, D Dillon, N Ronan, S Jennings, V Costello, E Miller, B O'Riordan, G Easterby, D Holwell, D McAllister, F Contepomi, C Warner, K Lewis, D Quinlan, J Norton, J McWeeney, G Brown, D Hewitt.

FRIDAY

Celtic League: Gwent Dragons v Ulster, Rodney Parade (7.05); Connacht v Llanelli Scarlets, Dubarry Park (7.30).

SATURDAY

Celtic League: Edinburgh v Leinster, Murrayfield (7.45).

AIL Division One (2.30): Belfast Harlequins v Buccaneers, Grafton Arena; Blackrock College v Cork Constitution, Stradbrook; Clontarf v UCD, Castle Avenue; Dublin University v Garryowen, College Park; Galwegians v Co Carlow, Crowley Park; Lansdowne v Ballymena, Lansdowne Road; Shannon v Dungannon, Thomond Park.

AIL Division Two (2.30): Barnhall v DLSP, Parsonstown; Malone v UCC, Gibson Park; Old Crescent v Ballynahinch, Rosbrien; St Mary's College v Midleton, Templeville Road; Terenure College v Thomond, Lakelands; Young Munster v Old Belvedere, Clifford Park.

Division Three (2.30): Ards v Banbridge, Hamilton Park; Greystones v Connemara, Dr Hickey Park; Old Wesley v City of Derry, Donnybrook; Queen's University Belfast v Instonians, Dub Lane; Skerries v Corinthians, Holmpatrick; Sunday's Well v Ballina, Musgrave Park; Suttonians v Bruff, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds; Wanderers v Portadown, Lansdowne Road (back pitch).

SUNDAY

Celtic League: Munster v Glasgow, Thomond Park (5.0).

AIL Division Two (2.30): Bective Rangers v Highfield, Donnybrook; Dolphin v UL Bohemians, Musgrave Park.