RUGBY: Johnny O'Connor is set to make his first appearance in a Connacht jersey since early December when the province put out an 'A' side against their Ulster equivalents in Mullingar tomorrow afternoon (3pm).
O’Connor is joined in the backrow by David Gannon at blindside and Galwegians Joe Moran at number eight. Michael Swift and David Nolan make up the secondrow partnership, while up front Conor Muldoon starts at hooker and is joined in the frontrow by John Lyne and Ronan Loughney.
In the backs Ireland Under-20 international John O'Brien starts at fullback, with Michael Roberts, Mel Deane, Troy Nathan and Richard Keatley all selected along the three quarters line and Andy Dunne and Conor O'Loughlin occupy the half back berths.
Ulster today announced the signing of lock Dan Tuohy. The 23 year old, who currently plays for Exeter Chiefs, has signed a two-year deal and will hook up ahead of next season.
Tuohy stands at 6' 5" tall and 17st 10lbs, and already has Irish Under-21 honours to his name. He made his first professional rugby appearance for Gloucester against London Irish in 2007, and received the man of the match award.
"Dan is an impressive young Irish qualified player,” said Ulster coach Matt Williams. “He has come through a strong academy system in the Guinness Premiership, and been constantly a first-rate player. He has been on Ulster's radar for a while now, and I am delighted we have finally signed him up."
Ulster have also extended winger Simon Danielli's contract by one year until 2010, and prop Bryan Young gained a two-year extension, which will see him remain at Ravenhill until 2011.
Connacht team:
J O'Brien; R Keatley, T Nathan, M Deane, M Roberts; A Dunne, C O'Loughlin; J Lyne, C Muldoon, R Loughney; M Swift, D Nolan; D Gannon, J O'Connor, J Moran.
Replacements: A O'Sullivan, C Higgins, L Scahill, N McCarthy, A Kennedy, A Gaughan, S Carey.
