The 30-year-old has amassed 40 appearances in European competitions and scored two tries against Leicester Tigers in this season’s Heineken Champions Cup pool stage as he helped Connacht qualify for the Round of 16.

Prop Denis Buckley could make his first appearance of the season from the bench against Glasgow after recovering from a serious knee injury, while at the other end of the experience spectrum, fly-half Cathal Forde starts for his senior Connacht debut.

Elsewhere in the United Rugby Championship, lock Joe McCarthy will make his Leinster Rugby debut as the four-time European champions visit Cardiff Rugby.

Munster Rugby have handed a first start to fly-half Jake Flannery and a 100th cap to lock Jean Kleyn as they travel to Zebre Parma.

In the Gallagher Premiership, injuries and international commitments have forced Exeter Chiefs into several changes for their clash with EPCR Challenge Cup outfit London Irish.

Prop Patrick Schickerling makes his maiden start in the English top-flight, winger Olly Woodburn is included in a Chiefs XV for the first time this season, and Argentinian back-row forward Santiago Grondona could make his debut for the club from the bench.

Five teams that have secured a place in the Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 are in TOP 14 action on Saturday.

Stade Rochelais host Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Stade Toulousain entertain Racing 92 and Union Bordeaux-Bègles are away at Castres Olympique, who have dropped into the EPCR Challenge Cup.

On Sunday, Stade Français Paris are at home to RC Toulon and ASM Clermont Auvergne visit Section Paloise, while a mouth-watering Premiership clash sees Sale Sharks take on Leicester Tigers at AJ Bell Stadium.

Full-back Tiernan O’Halloran is poised to reach 200 Connacht Rugby caps as the Irish province welcome Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.