Squad Named For Season Opener

The squad completed an overnight camp in Limerick on Tuesday in preparation for the season commencing this Saturday with the SEAT Series kicking off against Gloucester in Thomond Park at 5pm.

Some of Munster’s leading names have been included in the starting XV with Munster’s newest recruit Andrew Conway making his debut on the wing. He forms an experienced back three which includes Denis Hurley and Johne Murphy.

The side will be captained by James Coughlan at number 8 and he is joined by CJ Stander and Niall Ronan in the backrow. Donncha O’Callaghan returns to action after sustaining a knee sprain against Leinster in April and he is named alongside Billy Holland in the second row.

James Cronin who was promoted from the academy this summer joins Mike Sherry and John Ryan in the front row.

Penney has opted to go with an extended bench and will select from a number of players available to him on the day.

Included in that list are club players Mike Kelleher (Richmond), Niall Kenneally (UL Bohs), Danny Kenny (UCD), Paddy Ryan (Highfield), Willie Ryan (UCC) and academy players Shane Buckley and Johnny Holland, who have all participated in Munster’s pre-season training programme.

Also Stephen Archer is in line to make an appearance for the first time since April when he picked up a wrist injury against Newport Gwent Dragons.

Munster: Denis Hurley; Andrew Conway, Casey Laulala , Ivan Dineen, Johne Murphy; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams; James Cronin, Mike Sherry, John Ryan; Donncha O’Callaghan, Billy Holland; CJ Stander, Niall Ronan, James Coughlan.

Replacements from: Niall Scannell, Duncan Casey, Alan Cotter, Stephen Archer, Paddy Ryan, Ian Nagle, Dave Foley, Danny Kenny, Willie Ryan, Shane Buckley, Barry O’Mahony, Cathal Sheridan, Gerry Hurley, JJ Hanrahan, Johnny Holland, Cian Bohane, Mike Kelleher, Niall Kenneally, Ronan O’Mahony.

Tickets are on sale for this game and available to buy online here from €;12 for adult terrace. Tickets will be available from Thomond Park Stadium from 9am on Saturday.