Team News & International Returns

Connacht welcome back four Ireland stars - Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and captain Cian Prendergast - among seven changes from their dramatic 43-40 loss to Ospreys. This marks the first professional rugby match ever held in County Mayo's MacHale Park.

Munster counter with three returning internationals: Tadhg Beirne (captain), Jack Crowley and Calvin Nash, plus the long-awaited returns of Oli Jager and Craig Casey from injury.

Historic Venue Debut

• First professional rugby match at 95-year-old MacHale Park
• Castlebar becomes the 14th different venue to host a Connacht home game
• Special occasion for Western Province's regional development

URC Standings Implications

With only 3 points separating the rivals, this interprovincial derby carries significant playoff race implications.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Bundee Aki vs Munster Centers - Physical midfield battle
2. Jack Crowley's Playmaking - Ireland flyhalf controls tempo
3. Breakdown Contest - Beirne vs Prendergast at the ruck

Full Lineups

Connacht: Hansen; Mullins, Gavin, Aki, Treacy; Ioane, Blade; Duggan, Heffernan, Bealham; Joyce, Murray, Prendergast (capt), Hurley-Langton, Jansen. Replacements: Tierney-Martin, Buckley, Aungier, Murphy, Boyle, Devine, Hanrahan, Cordero

Munster: O'Connor; Nash, Farrell, Nankivell, O'Brien; Crowley, Casey; Loughman, Barron, Jager; Wycherley, Beirne (capt); Ahern, Hodnett, Coombes. Replacements: N Scannell, Wycherley, Archer, Kleyn, Quinn, Murray, R Scannell, Kendellen