They face the Cardiff Blues tomorrow.
Jack Carty and Eoghan Masterson will be hoping to lead Connacht to an important win tomorrow.
Andy Friend has named them to start against the Cardiff Blues in the PRO14 Conference B top of the table clash.
Portlaoise blindside Masterson is joined in the backrow by captain Jarad Butler and Paul Boyle.
Athlone's Carty meanwhile will be partnered at half back by Caolin Blade.
It's close to a full strength starting XV with returns for three players form Ireland camp Bundee Aki, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan.
There was further good news at the province this week as all members of the playing and coaching staff returned negative tests for Covid-19 in the latest round of PCR testing.
🟢 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🟢
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) February 19, 2021
Here's our squad to face @cardiff_blues tomorrow, captained by the returning @ButlerJarrad 💪#CONvCAR #GuinnessPRO14 pic.twitter.com/CDq7l6s5ls
Speaking about the team, Head Coach Andy Friend says:
“It’s great to welcome Dave, Ultan and Bundee back into the fold, and they’re re-joining an already healthy group of players. We had tough news for Quinn Roux and Peter Robb this week but overall we’re in a good spot and that’s allowed us to pick a squad based on form.”
“Tomorrow marks the start of a block of games that will ultimately define our season. We have a great opportunity to keep the pressure on Munster at the top while opening some daylight between ourselves and the chasing pack. We know our home form isn’t where it should be so this is our opportunity to put that right”.
Offaly And Longford Chase Semi-Final Spot In Division Four
NFL: Laois Travel To Fermanagh For Crucial Division Three Encounter
Gold Cup Takes Centre Stage On Final Day Of Cheltenham
Offaly TD Demands Stronger Ticket Touting Laws As Six Nations Prices Hit €3k
Offaly Travel To Dublin For Fourth Round Of National Camogie League
Athlone Town Get Title Defence Underway Tomorrow
Shane Lowry Left With Work To Do After Horror 18th At Players Championship
NFL: Must Win Game For Westmeath In Division Three
Westmeath County Council To Host Civic Reception For Athlone Town
Midlands Players Named In Ireland Squad For Showdown With Scotland
Irish Athletics Legend Ronnie Delany Dies Aged 91
Shane Lowry And Rory McIlroy In Action At Players Championship
NFL: Potential Make Or Break Weekend For Midlands Sides
Play Off Spot On The Line For Portlaoise Panthers This Weekend
Athlone Town Host Cobh Ramblers In First Division
Cheltenham Day Two: Il Etait Temp Takes Home Victory In The Champion Chase
Construction Begins On GAA Club Grounds In Laois
Tullamore Squash Club Recognised At National Awards
CCFL: Willow Park Stay Top Of Premier Division
Shane Lowry Back In Action At Player's Championship