Damant returns to lead Richmond

FLY-HALF and captain Rory Damant returns to the Richmond line-up for the first time this season.

After injury in preseason, Damant finally takes the field again for Richmond, and he will be hoping to inspire a newlook side to a revenge win after last weekend’s 38-17 home defeat.

The starting line-up shows five other new faces from the team sheet last week, and after two losses in their opening three British & Irish Cup games, Richmond know that they must avoid defeat against Connacht.

After a late call to the bench last weekend, Alex Wood makes his first Richmond start at prop since graduating from Bath University. Myles Scott, who rejoined the club this season, comes into the second row, Adam Lee and Simon Edwards both step up from the bench to start at six and seven, while former Ulster player Lorcan Dow comes in at No.8.

Callum Grant starts at scrum-half while Luke Outhwaite and Morgan Ward start on the wings.

Connacht Eagles coach Mossy Lawler has selected a blend of youth and experience in his starting XV aiming for back to back wins over Richmond.

After an outstanding kicking display off the tee last weekend, Conor McKeown is retained at scrum half with Andrew Deegan at out half after scoring a try in the away game.

The experienced Eoin Griffin and Peter Robb, who continues his comeback from injury, form the midfield pairing.

The side is captained by Academy player Paul Boyle at No.8 and he is joined in the back row by Naulia Dawai and Sean Masterson.