News article – Style E 2025
Both Connacht and Ulster have each made three changes to their starting line-ups for the weekend Celtic League matches against Bridgend and Munster respectively.
With Mark McHugh released from international duty, James Norton returns to the Connacht replacement bench for their game against Bridgend on Saturday (2.30) at The Brewery Field.
Warwick Waugh is ruled out with a bruised shoulder and his place goes to Damien Browne while Eric Peters returns at number 8.
Ulster welcome back Jonathan Bell from injury and he partners Ryan Constable in the centre but Jeremy Davidson retains the captaincy.
Matt Sexton and Robbie Kempson have recovered from a bout of flu and return to the front row at the expense of Paul Shields and Simon Best.
Munster are waiting on fitness reports on captain Jim Williams, lock Mick O’Driscoll and centre Jason Holland and hope to announce their side at lunchtime today (Wed) while Leinster, who will be delighted to have the services of Victor Costello and Eric Miller, are also expected to name their side later today.
Connacht. Mark McHugh; Ted Robinson, Darren Yapp, Tim Allnutt (capt.), Wayne Munn; Eric Elwood, Chris Keane; Dan McFarland, Jerry Flannery, Peter Bracken; Damien Browne, Rowan Frost, Colm Rigney, John O’Sullivan, Eric Peters.
Replacements: Ronan McCormack, Marnus Uijs, Michael Swift, Paul Neville, Eoin Reddan, Shane Moore James Norton.
Ulster: Bryn Cunningham; James Topping, Ryan Constable, Johnathon Bell, Tyrone Howe; Adam Larkin, Neil Doak; Justin Fitzpatrick, Matt Sexton, Robbie Kempson, Mark Blair, Jeremy Davidson (capt); Warren Brosnihan, Neil McMillan, Tony McWhirter.
Replacements: Simon Best, Paul Shields, Paddy Johns, Neil Best, Kieran Campbell, Shane Stewart, Scott Young.