An entirely new line-up will take to the Dubarry Park pitch for today’s pre-season friendly with Sale Sharks in Athlone.

After last night’s clash with Castres, a separate starting XV remained in Ireland in preparation for the game and they will line out as below.

There are starts for new arrivals Peter Dooley and Josh Murphy, while Jarrad Butler captains the side from the back row alongside Conor Oliver and Paul Boyle. Gavin Thornbury partners Murphy in the second row, while Dooley has Dylan Tierney-Martin and Jack Aungier for company in the front row.

Kieran Marmion and Conor Fitzgerald make up the 9/10 combo, while Shayne Bolton and Tom Farrell make up the centre partnership. The team is completed by a back three of wingers John Porch and Diarmuid Kilgallen, and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran.

Among the 11 replacements there is just one change from the players that travelled to France, with Jordan Duggan coming in as replacement loose-head.

CONNACHT RUGBY SQUAD V SALE SHARKS

Friday, August 26, Dubarry Park, Athlone (k/o 7 p.m.)