Mack Hansen set for long-awaited Connacht return v Glasgow

Mack Hansen is set to make his first appearance for nine months after being named on the bench for Connacht's pre-season friendly against Glasgow Warriors.

The Ireland international hasn't played since suffering a dislocated shoulder against Munster on New Year’s Day, which saw him miss out on the second half of the province’s season, as well as Ireland’s summer tour of South Africa.

The 26-year-old is likely to get some minutes under his belt ahead of the start of the new BKT United Rugby Championship season in two weeks, included on an extended replacements’ bench for the friendly away to Glasgow on Saturday (6pm).

Head coach Pete Wilkins has made seven changes to his side from last week’s friendly win at home to Sale Sharks, with the notable inclusion of Josh Ioane at out-half.

The New Zealander is set to get his first outing in a Connacht shirt against the URC champions, following his summer-move from the Chiefs in Super Rugby.

Ioane partners Matthrew Devine in the half-backs, while centre David Hawkshaw and wing Shane Jennings also come in.

Joe Joyce captains the side from the second row, while there's a start in the back row for David O’Connor, who joined from Ealing Trailfinders this summer.

Connacht (v Glasgow Warriors): Piers O’Conor; Shayne Bolton, David Hawkshaw, Cathal Forde, Shane Jennings; Josh Ioane, Matthew Devine; Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jack Aungier; Joe Joyce (capt), Darragh Murray; David O’Connor, Conor Oliver, Paul Boyle.

Replacements: Adam McBurney, Jordan Duggan, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Oisín Dowling, Oisín McCormack, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Ben Murphy, Jack Carty, John Porch, Finn Treacy, Mack Hansen.

Meanwhile, Ulster have handed a start to their new out-half Aidan Morgan (above) as they begin