NEW CONNACHT HEAD coach Kieran Keane has been able to welcome back three key pack members as the province gear up for their opening Pro14 clash against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

Conor McKeon, Kieran Marmion and Jake Heenan watch in horror as as rugby players attempt to play hurling at the Sportsground today. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Denis Buckley (finger), Quinn Roux (ankle), Jake Heenan (back) have returned to full training at the Sportsground to boost their forward numbers while centres Tom Farrell (thigh) and Peter Robb (head) have also shaken off their knocks to present as available for selection.

Wing Niyi Adeolokun is still facing an October return to action as the province have pencilled in his return to full training for late next month after his knee surgery late last season.

While scrum-half Caolin Blade has ‘stepped up’ his return from a hamstring injury, there is a fresh name on the western province’s injury list as back row Naulia Dawai tweaked his hamstring in training last week.

Strength and conditioning coach Johnny O'Connor. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

With the small matter of the All-Ireland hurling final somewhat overshadowing Saturday’s match in Galway, the province incorporated a little small ball in their training session today.

Head coach Kieran Kean gets to grips with the hurl. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Kieran Marmion means business. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Centre Stacey Ili clearly enjoyed the break from rugby duty. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:

‘Guys were going crazy phoning agents, saying they want to leave’: Cheetahs keen for relief of northern winter

‘We have to be of a strong mentality to nail those moments’: Resilience is crucial for Ulster