Cardiff v Connacht Live: Score updates as emotional tribute paid to Barry John

Cardiff Rugby will look to end their run of three successive losses as they host Connacht at a packed Cardiff Arms Park this evening.

Despite the absence of nine players on international duty, head coach Matt Sherratt has named a strong side for the clash, with Welsh internationals Owen Lane, Rhys Carre and Thomas Young among those involved. Mackenzie Martin, who is part of Wales' Six Nations squad, has been named amongst the replacements, along with the vastly experienced Willis Halaholo.

Hooker Liam Belcher, who recently signed a new deal with the club, once again skippers the side, with new signing Ben Donnell handed an immediate start having signed from Gloucester on Friday. The 6ft 5in flanker, who represented England at U20 level, spent much of this season at Kingsholm following the demise of London Irish.

Just three points separate Cardiff and Connacht in the current URC standings, with the 10th-placed visitors two spots ahead of Sherratt's side. The hosts have lost their last three games on the spin, while the Irish province come into tonight's game having beaten Bristol Bears 27-10 in their last match.

The match, which is being shown on Viaplay 1 and S4C, kicks off at 5.15pm

Cardiff Rugby: Jacob Beetham; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Aled Summerhill; Tinus de Beer, Ellis Bevan; Rhys Carré, Liam Belcher, Will Davies-King, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Seb Davies, Ben Donnell, Thomas Young, Lopeti Timani.

Replacements: Efan Daniel, Rhys Barratt, Ciaran Parker, Alun Lawrence, Mackenzie Martin, Jamie Hill, Arwel Robson, Willis Halaholo.