Head coach Michael Bradley has selected the same 22-man squad which featured against Leinster last Sunday, with the addition of two players who are returning from injury.

Prop Joe Merrigan has been passed fit and is included in the travelling squad for the first time since Edinburgh hosted Connacht in March.

Also included is versatile back Daniel Riordan, who has recovered from the hamstring injury which has kept him out for several weeks. He was in action for Buccaneers in the AIB League last weekend.

Out-half Ian Keatley, who kicked 14 points in the win over Leinster, is a surprise inclusion given that initial word from the Connacht camp was that a head injury was likely to keep him out of the Dax tie.

One of his rivals for the number 10 jersey, Andy Dunne, is still fighting off a hamstring injury.

Other players not considered for the European opener are Adrian Flavin (ribs), Keith Matthews (calf), Conor O'Loughlin (hip) and Aidan Wynne (calf).

CONNACHT Squad (v Dax): Backs (11) - Liam Bibo, Kieran Campbell, Fionn Carr, Mel Deane, Gavin Duffy, John Hearty, Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy, Troy Nathan, Daniel Riordan, Mike Roberts.

Forwards (13) - Andrew Browne, Sean Cronin, Andrew Farley, Ronan Loughney, Mike McCarthy, Joe Merrigan, Robbie Morris, John Muldoon, Johnny O'Connor, Ray Ofisa, Colm Rigney, Michael Swift, Brett Wilkinson.