A spokesman for Munster said that they would have preferred to play the game on Saturday evening at the same venue in order to give international players an extra day rest but the AIB League took precedence and as a result the game goes ahead on Friday.

Munster will rest John Hayes, Anthony Foley and Peter Stringer and those squad members who do play may be available to their clubs for the following day's AIB League programme depending on their state of fitness after the game.

The game in Thomond Park will be a full 80 minute game with coach Alan Gaffney expected to name a 22 strong squad tomorrow (Thursday).