URC: Jack Carty returns for Connacht as Ulster ring changes

Jack Carty returns to the Connacht side for their first interpro of the season at home to Ulster, while the visitors have rung the changes for their trip to the Sportsground on Saturday (7.35pm).

Former Irish out-half Carty makes his first start of the season after recovering from a jaw injury, replacing JJ Hanrahan, who isn't involved this week after picking up a knock in the game against Glasgow which forced him off kicking duties in the second half.

In the forwards, Oisín Dowling starts in place of Niall Murray at lock, while Conor Oliver replaces Jarrad Butler at flanker.

Pete Wilkins' side are looking for their third successive home win of the season after wins over Ospreys and Glasgow, both on an identical scoreline of 34-26.

Dan McFarland, meanwhile, has made a raft of changes to the team which saw off the Bulls in Belfast last Sunday, with only four starting players from that win named for the visit to Galway.

Only full-back Will Addison, outside centre James Hume, captain and lock Alan O'Connor and number eight Nick Timoney remain in situ from last weekend's starting line-up, as the Ulster head coach has decided to survey his options.

A half-back pairing of Dave Shanahan and Jake Flannery will be tried at 9 and 10 respectively. Flannery, a 24-year old out-half from Tipperary, was part of the 2019 U20 Grand Slam winning side and featured on the Emerging Ireland tour of South Africa last year.

On the wings, they've selected Aaron Sexton and Ethan McIlroy, with Stewart Moore taking the inside centre berth.

An entirely new front row has been chosen, with Eric O'Sullivan, John Andrew and James French starting. Holywood's Harry Sheridan joins Alan O'Connor in the second row, while Matty Rea and Reuben Crothers are included in