Dave Heffernan is back in the pack for Connacht's clash with Leinster this weekend. Photo: Sportsfile

Mayo man back in starting pack for Connacht's clash with Leinster

Mayo man Dave Heffernan will start for Connacht in tomorrow’s BKT URC interpro with Leinster at a sold-out Sportsground. Kick-off for this derby clash is at 7.35 p.m.

The Ballina man forms part of an all-new front row alongside Peter Dooley and Jack Aungier, while Cian Prendergast comes back into the side at blindside flanker.

Making his 50th appearance is Oisin Dowling, who moves to the second row to play alongside Darragh Murray, while Seamus Hurley-Langton and number eight Sean Jansen complete the pack.

Behind them, Mack Hansen is poised to make his first Connacht appearance of the season as the team shows seven changes in total to the starting XV from last week.

Scrum-half Caolin Blade captains the side while J.J. Hanrahan is selected at out-half. Byron Ralston moves from the wing to outside centre, where he’s partnered with Cathal Forde, while Hansen, Diarmuid Kilgallen and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran complete the back three.

There’s another 6:2 split on the bench, including Paul Boyle, who could feature for the first time this season, and scrum-half Michael McDonald who will make his debut if called upon.

Commenting ahead of the game, Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins said: “Leinster at The Sportsground is one of the marquee games you look forward to every season. You can feel the buzz of anticipation both among the squad and supporters, and with a sold-out crowd behind us it’ll be a fantastic occasion.”

Wilkins added: “We’re very aware of Leinster’s strengths and the challenge they’ll pose, but we’re also confident in our abilities and the gameplan we’ve put together. Mack’s return is a timely boost and it’s a 23 I think are well capable of a victory, while also taking into account the short turnaround into Champions Cup next Friday."

With the stadium at maximum capacity, only supporters with valid match tickets are asked to make their way to the ground. Supporters have also been reminded to be respectful of local neighbours before and after the game.

The Connacht Rugby matchday 23 for the contest is as follows: Tiernan O’Halloran, Mack Hansen, Byron Ralston, Cathal Forde, Diarmuid Kilgallen, J.J. Hanrahan, Caolin Blade; Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungier, Darragh Murray, Oisin Dowling, Cian Prendergast, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Seán Jansen. Among the replacements are: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Denis Buckley, Finlay Bealham, Niall Murray, Paul Boyle, Michael McDonald, David Hawkshaw and Conor Oliver.