Mack Hansen is back in the Connacht starting side for Friday's pre-season match against RC Vannes, ending an absence that has stretched back to December.
The Ireland wing starts on the left at Stade de la Rabine after foot surgery kept him out of action for much of the past year. Byron Ralston also returns in the Connacht midfield after an ACL injury.
A meaningful first step
It is only a pre-season fixture, but it is a proper test. Vannes are at home, have a sell-out crowd and begin their Top 14 campaign next week. Stuart Lancaster said Connacht have prepared for the game as they would any serious fixture.
Hansen's selection matters because Connacht start the URC season at home to the Stormers on 25 September. A clean run of minutes now gives him a chance to arrive at that opening night with the rust removed.
Connacht's backline takes shape
Sam Gilbert starts at full-back, with Shane Jennings, John Devine, Ralston and Hansen completing the back three and midfield. Josh Ioane and Colm Reilly form the half-back partnership.
The wider prize is bigger than one August evening in Brittany. Connacht have missed Hansen's edge and instinct, while Ireland will be watching the build-up to the November Nations Championship fixtures closely. First, though, he has to get through the ordinary work of returning: a hit, a chase, a kick, then another week of training.
Reporting: Connacht Rugby, Irish Rugby