Boost for Connacht as Buckley set for injury comeback

Denis Buckley is in line to make his first appearance in eight months this weekend, with Connacht confirming he is "available for selection" for Saturday's United Rugby Championship visit of Glasgow Warriors (live on RTÉ2).

The 31-year-old hasn't played since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in their Rainbow Cup meeting with Benetton in May of last year, picking up the injury just minutes into what was his 200th game for the province.

Buckley has been integrated back into training in recent weeks and now looks set to step back into first team action.

"It's a massive boost," senior coach Peter Wilkins said of Buckley's expected return.

The province have been light on front row depth in recent weeks, with Buckley among five senior props who were unavailable for Sunday's narrow defeat to Stade Francais in Paris.

Wilkins added that Buckley's presence would have been vital at Stade Jean-Bouin, as well as the previous week's defeat to Leicester Tigers.

"Certainly, in terms of personnel you want on the field, there's merits to having the young guys come in in the last 20 minutes with the enthusiasm and energy they bring, but also you're grateful if you have some experienced heads out there.

"It's not just their knowledge of the game but also their knowledge of being in those tight finishes, and how they can manage their own part of the game, their own part of the team, but also the composure and the messaging that they can spread to some other guys.

"There's enormous positives around that, Denis has worked enormously hard to get back to full fitness, and has done so in a really good timeframe. it's a massive boost to have him available.

"It's a testament to the work that Denis has done, but also the medical and support staff