New out-half Miah Nikora will play his first game at the Sportsground, while up front prop Jamie Hagan and number 8 Mike McComish will also make their home debuts.

Connacht will play their first game of the Magners League against the Ospreys the following Friday - September 4 - in a game which will kick-off at the later time of 7pm.

Meanwhile, this Friday supporters who arrive at the Sportsground wearing Connacht jerseys will be admitted free of charge to the ground for the clash with Rotherham.

It was intended to distribute free tickets to the Rotherham match to those who attended the Connacht Open Day in aid of Special Olympics Ireland on Sunday.

But with that event being postponed due to bad weather - it will now take place on Saturday, September 19 - Connacht Rugby will now give free admission to fans who arrive wearing a Connacht jersey on Friday evening.

In addition, all children (Under-18) will also be admitted free to the game. Supporters are also asked to bring flags, bodhrans, drums or anything that will create a good match atmosphere.

CONNACHT (v Rotherham Titans) - Gavin Duffy; Tiernan O'Halloran, Eoin Griffin, Keith Matthews, Fionn Carr; Miah Nikora, Frank Murphy; Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan, David Nolan, Andrew Browne, John Muldoon (capt), Ray Ofisa, Mike McComish.

Replacements: to be confirmed