Jonny Gray will captain Glasgow Warriors for the first time against Connacht this afternoon.
The 21-year-old returns to Gregor Townsend’s side as they attempt to keep their GUINNESS PRO12 title campaign on track.
Townsend said: “Connacht are a well-coached team that play with passion and ambition, and we respect them very highly. They have played well this season and are challenging for a top-six finish.
“We welcome back a number of Scotland internationals and we’re delighted that Jonny Gray has been given the opportunity to captain the side from the start of the game.
“We enjoy playing at the Sportsground as there is always a really good atmosphere thanks to the vocal home support and we know we’ll have to be fully focused for the full 80 minutes in order to deliver the level of performance required.”
Stuart Hogg returns at full-back, after missing the win over Cardiff Blues a fortnight ago through injury, with Peter Murchie named on the bench.
Tommy Seymour continues on the right wing, with Niko Matawalu returning on the opposite wing, in place of the injured DTH van der Merwe.
Richie Vernon and Peter Horne continue their centre partnership, with Finn Russell and Henry Pyrgos once again the half-back pairing.
Fraser Brown replaces Dougie Hall at hooker and Euan Murray returns from injury at tight-head. It will be Murray’s first appearance in a Warriors shirt since the win over the Scarlets at Scotstoun in January.
Ryan Grant, who is on the bench, returns from a five-week spell on the sidelines, while Duncan Weir continues his comeback from injury after also being named among the replacements.
The match, which kicks off at 1.05pm, is live on BBC Alba.