Eric Elwood will welcome back John Muldoon for Connacht's Amlin Challenge Cup encounter with Rugby I Cavalieri, Prato on Saturday.
Muldoon marks his return from injury and the talismanic backrower takes over as captain from Frank Murphy who was deputising in his absence.
With Jamie Hagan being rested Barry Fa’amusili makes his debut in the squad whilst newcomers Monahan and Fanning are also included.
Elsewhere, Brett Wilkinson looks set to earn his 100th cap for Connacht. The loosehead prop from Grahamstown, South Africa played for Ireland A last Summer and has featured in all 5 of Connacht's games sofar this season.
Connacht team to play Rugby I Cavalieri in the Amlin Challenge Cup at Prato on Saturday 9 October:
Brett Wilkinson, Rob Sweeney, Ronan Loughney, Barry Fa’amusili, Dermot Murphy, Adrian Flavin, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton, Andrew Browne, Mike McComish, Michael McCarthy, Johnny O’Connor, John Muldoon, Cillian Willis, Frank Murphy, Ian Keatley, Miah Nikora, Fionn Carr, Aidan Wynne, Shane Monahan, Darragh Fanning, Troy Nathan, Niva Ta’auso
