There will be late fitness tests for a number of players which gives some of the younger squad members the opportunity for inclusion. Dermot Murphy will join as cover at hooker, Aidan Wynne covers the back-line while Adam Kennedy adds an extra option at scrumhalf.

Speaking at this weeks press conference Head Coach Eric Elwood said he was happy with the preseason training (which included trips to the Aran Islands and the Curragh) and the two games against Harlequins and Saracens, but that the real test of the team was the Magners League and competitive matches.

The inclusion of Sean Cronin and Gavin Duffy, back from International duty, is a welcome boost to the Elwoods squad which has seen a number of players ruled out for extended periods with John Muldoon broken arm, Robbie Morris back, Johnny OConnor back all out of contention.

Connacht squad to face Dragons:

Ronan Loughney, Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Dermot Murphy, Adrian Flavin, Rob Sweeney, Jamie Hagan, Dave Nolan, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton, Michael McCarthy, Ray Ofisa, Mike McComish, Ezra Taylor, Cillian Willis, Adam Kennedy, Frank Murphy, Miah Nikora, Ian Keatley, Fionn Carr, Keith Matthews, Niva Taauso, Tiernan OHalloran, Aidan Wynne, Troy Nathan, Gavin Duffy

Photos (C) www.inpho.ie