Denis Buckley is set to move to second in Connacht's all-time appearance list after being named in Stuart Lancaster’s side for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash with Ulster at Dexcom Stadium.
Roscommon man Buckley is set to earn his 270th cap, which will move him one ahead of Michael Swift and only behind John Muldoon who played 327 times for the western province.
It’s set to be a special occasion for academy winger Daniel Ryan who is set to make his debut on the right wing.
The 19-year-old Ireland U-19 international is highly regarded and makes his first appearance since joining the academy last summer. Another academy player, Fiachna Barrett, is named amongst the replacements.
In the backs, Ben Murphy and Jack Carty are set to combine while Finn Treacy comes onto the left wing.
The centre partnership of Bundee Aki and Cathal Forde is retained from the defeat to Dragons, as is Sam Gilbert at full-back.
Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham join Buckley in the front row while Joe Joyce and David O’Connor come into the second row.
Captain Cian Prendergast shifts to openside flanker, with Josh Murphy coming in at blindside and Sean Jansen starting at number 8.
"It is great to give Daniel Ryan his first cap, he has been great since he arrived and more than deserves his chance. I really believe the future for Connacht is to keep investing in our academy players," said head coach Lancaster.
"Finally a special mention to Denis Buckley on his 270th appearance, becoming Connacht’s second highest capped player. It is some achievement."
Connacht: Sam Gilbert, Daniel Ryan, Cathal Forde, Bundee Ali, Finn Treacy, Jack Carty, Ben Murphy, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Joe Joyce, David O’Connor, Josh Murphy, Cian Prendergast (C), Sean Jansen.
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Fiachna Barrett, Darragh Murray, Sean O’Brien, Matthew Devine, Josh Ioane, Hugh Gavin.
Listen to live radio commentary of Connacht v Ulster (5.30pm) and Munster v Leinster (7.45pm) on RTÉ Radio 1's Saturday Sport
