Back comes Dillane as Connacht aim to build some fresh Euro memories for fans

THE return of Ultan Dillane has handed a much-needed boost to Connacht’s depleted second row as Andy Friend prepares to welcome Montpellier to the Sportground.

Ireland centre Bundee Aki is also back for the

Galway side, but it is Dillane who eases the most pressing concern given the absences of Connacht lock trio Gavin Thornbury, Quinn Roux and Sean O’Brien through injury.

Dillane slots into the tight five to partner Cillian Gallagher, while Aki starts for the first time since the World Cup at inside centre and winger Matt Healy has returned to match fitness.

"We have received a boost this week with Ultan Dillane

and Matt Healy returning from injury and Bundee Aki back in the starting side,” said Friend.

“They bring a huge amount of experience at this level and that will be invaluable to us. We are looking forward to the game on Sunday and we know the importance of getting off to a good start in this competition, especially at home.”

It has been three years since Connacht, then reigning PRO12 champions, competed in Europe’s premier club competition. They won four of six pool games but were undone by

a 19-10 defeat away at Toulouse.

Given home advantage for their Pool 5 opener, Friend has made tactical changes including Dominic Robertson-McCoy’s recall to the front row to start at tighthead.

In the back row, Colby Fainga’a is selected at blindside with Jarrad Butler leading the team on the opposite flank.

Connacht face a Montpellier side under new management since Xavier Garbajosa was lured to the club from La Rochelle in the summer, and Friend was excited to savour a European atmosphere with one of France’s big clubs in town.

He added: “It’s always great to have a French team travelling. Montpellier, we know the strength of them, they’re a quality side, they’re having a good season this year, but to welcome them to the Sportsground is going to be good for our fans.

“We earned the right to get in this year with our quarter-final finish in the Pro14, so we’re with the big boys and looking forward to it. Once we got in, people start sending in clips and comments about their greatest memories in a Champions Cup: beating Toulouse, beating Wasps, so they’re two special moments that Connacht fans certainly remember.

“Hopefully, we can give them a few other ones to remember this year.”