Munster boss Tony McGahan has sung the praises of Perpignan-bound Lifeimi Mafi ahead of his side’s RaboDirect PRO12 trip to Connacht on Saturday.

Mafi’s move to the French club was announced earlier this week but the Tongan will line up in the centre beside Johne Murphy in Galway.

The 29-year-old has 14 RaboDirect PRO12 appearances to his name this season scoring two tries, including one in Viadana.

McGahan will be hoping Mafi can help Munster get back to winning ways with their 21-17 defeat last time out at Aironi halting a run of six consecutive victories.

Munster currently sit in second place in the table aiming to consolidate their play-off place and McGahan believes Mafi has more than played his part.

“He has been an outstanding contributor to the Munster set-up,” said McGahan.

“He is a thorough professional on and off the field, and has played an integral part in the success Munster have enjoyed in league and Heineken Cup since joining in 2006.

“I believe that when it comes to discuss the greats who have worn the Munster jersey, Lifeimi will be right up there among them.”

Damien Varley and James Coughlan return to the Munster pack while No. 10 Ian Keatley is partnered by London Irish-bound scrum-half Tomas O’Leary.

Connacht meanwhile recall John Muldoon, Kyle Tonetti and Henry Fa'afili with coach Eric Elwood welcoming back lock Mike McCarthy and prop Brett Wilkinson from Six Nations duty with Ireland.

Wilkinson will join Adrian Flavin and Ronan Loughney in the front row, while the bench sees Academy prop Finlay Bealham making the match-day squad for the first time alongside Rodney Ah You after his return to fitness.

Connacht received a boost ahead of the clash with centre Tonetti, lock Dave Gannon and scrum-halves Paul O'Donohoe and Dave Moore all agreeing contract extensions this week, and Elwood is is delighted to have them on board.

“Competition for the scrum-half jersey has been fierce this season,” said Elwoodis. “That has brought out the best in the players so it's great to have Paul and Dave Moore, along with Frank Murphy, competing in that position.

“Kyle has been outstanding for us in the centre in both attack and defence and Dave Gannon provides us with a range of options in the forwards.

“He has really shown his versatility playing in both the second-row and back-row so we're delighted to have him on board as well.”

The Sportsground – Saturday 24th March – KO 19.45

Referee: Neil Paterson (SRU, 38th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Paul Haycock,Michael Black (both IRFU)
Citing Commissioner : Denis Templeton (IRFU)
TMO: Seamus Flannery (IRFU)

Live on TG4.