Connacht hand Hansen debut for Cardiff URC opener

Mack Hansen has been handed his Connacht debut against Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship opener on Friday night.

Tom Farrell starts his first competitive game since November after his serious knee injury. The 28-year-old is named at centre alongside Tom Daly who makes his 50^th Connacht appearance.

Irish internationals Kieran Marmion and Jack Carty make up the half-back pairing.

Club captain Jarrad Butler is named at number 8 alongside flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver, while Oisín Dowling and Ultan Dillane start together in the second row.

The starting line-up is completed by hooker Shane Delahunt and props Matthew Burke and Finlay Bealham.

There’s also a potential debut off the bench for Hubert Gilvarry. The scrum-half has represented Sligo RFC and Sligo Grammar School and has been integrated in the Pro setup the last number of weeks.

“Mack Hansen has been very impressive since arriving so fully deserves his first start” explained Connacht head coach Andy Friend.

“In Hubert Gilvarry we have another Connacht native ready to make his debut if called upon. I know his inclusion in the matchday 23 will be a very proud day for all at Sligo RFC and Sligo Grammar School.”

“It's been a really productive pre-season campaign so we're all looking forward to this URC opener” added Friend.

”It's a difficult opening game as Cardiff are always a formidable outfit especially at home, but we've prepared in the right way and are confident we can put in a really strong performance.