Quinn Roux in for Ultan Dillane as Connacht name team for Toulouse

Kieran Marmion and Sean O’Brien both return from injury and among replacements

Quinn Roux starts for Connacht in their Champions Cup opener this weekend. Photograph: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Quinn Roux starts for Connacht in their Champions Cup opener this weekend. Photograph: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Connacht head coach Pat Lam has made just one change from the side that registered a bonus point win over Ulster in the Pro12 seven days ago, for the visit of Toulouse to the Sportsground on Saturday.

Second row Quinn Roux returns for his third start this season while his Ireland teammate Ultan Dillane moves to the bench.

Also among the replacements is Galway man Sean O’Brien who makes a welcome return from injury to be included in his first match day squad of the season.

Kieran Marmion, try scorer in Connacht's 2013/14 win over Toulouse, has also recovered from injury to take his place among the replacement backs.

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Lam says that a strong start will be key if Connacht are to start their Champions Cup campaign off with a win -

“Tomorrow is a big occasion for Connacht Rugby with Champions Cup returning to the Sportsground. While we’re aware of the excitement surrounding the fixture, our focus has been on ensuring our week’s preparation has followed our normal routine of getting better every day. With Toulouse having a squad full of quality internationals, it’s vital we bring our team structures and systems to give us a chance of winning.

“It is important to start well in Europe and the fact that we are at home gives us a massive boost. Hopefully as many of our supporters as possible from Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo and Galway can get to the game to create that special Connacht atmosphere. I know it will mean a lot to the boys and it will play a big part in getting us over the line.”

CONNACHT: Tiernan O'Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki, Craig Ronaldson, Cian Kelleher; Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Finlay Bealham, Dave Heffernan, Conor Carey; Quinn Roux, Andrew Browne; Eoin McKeon, Jake Heenan, John Muldoon (captain).

Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Ronan Loughney, JP Cooney, Ultan Dillane, Sean O’Brien, Kieran Marmion, Shane O’Leary, Stacey Ili.