Connacht have made four changes in their starting line-up for their opening European Shield Pool A game away to Newport tomorrow. Mick Finlay and the fit-again Billy Mulcahy have been recalled to a re-jigged front-row in which Jimmy Screene reverts to open side. Barry Gavin is back from illness at number eight and Russell Southam is recalled at the expense of Nigel Carolan on the wing. Mervyn Murphy again captains the side in the absence of Eric Elwood.

Defending champions Shannon face Sunday's Well in the opening round of the Munster Senior Cup, a competition which will enjoy a new sponsor, Heineken, this season. No dates have as yet been finalised for the matches.