Hansen and Aki back for Connacht's Ulster clash

Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen are both named in the Connacht team to take on Ulster in Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Ulster.

The Ireland internationals missed the defeat to Glasgow two weeks ago through illness but have been included for the Belfast clash (7.35pm).

In total there are four changes with hooker Dave Heffernan returning after recovering from injury, while flanker Shamus Hurley-Langton gets the nod after impressing off the bench in his last few games.

The side is captained by Jack Carty at out-half, with Caolin Blade at scrum-half.

Aki and Tom Farrell start in the centre, with Tiernan O’Halloran at full-back. John Porch and Hansen are on the wings.

Denis Buckley and Finlay Bealham are the props, with Josh Murphy and Niall Murray in the second row.

Conor Oliver and Cian Prendergast complete the back row.

Director of Rugby Andy Friend said: "Tomorrow is the culmination of months of hard work. We were very clear at the start of the season that we wanted to be playing playoff football, and now that we're here we plan on making the most of it.

"Beating Ulster in Belfast is a tough task for any team, but we’re confident in our abilities and we’ve improved a lot since our last trip up there.

"I’ve heard there’s a huge crowd travelling up to support us which always gives us a boost, so I’m sure they’ll make their voices heard."

Meanwhile, Ulster, have confirmed that Springboks number 8 Duane Vermeulen (above) will leave at the end of season, along with prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.

The duo are both named in Dan McFarland's starting line-up.

Vermeulen joined the club two years ago and made 34 appearances and was expected to leave, while Toomaga-Allen signed a one-year deal at the start of last season.

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