Varley To Captain Munster

Damien Varley will captain Munster for Friday’s SEAT Series game against London Irish in Musgrave Park at 7pm.

Two changes to the backline include Ronan O’Mahony starting in the place of Andrew Conway who is rested and Cathal Sheridan starting in the place of Duncan Williams who moves to the replacements.

In the front row there is a positional change for John Ryan, with Damien Varley marking his return to action with the captaincy role, and Stephen Archer is promoted from the bench.

Dave Foley and Ian Nagle who came on for the second half against Gloucester are the starting second row partnership with a new back-row of Dave O’Callaghan, Sean Dougall and Paddy Butler this week.

Once again Penney has opted for an extended bench which includes a mix of Munster’s leading lights such as BJ Botha, James Coughlan and Donncha O’Callaghan, and academy players Rory Scannell and Johnny Holland.

Munster: Denis Hurley; Ronan O’Mahony, Casey Laulala, Ivan Dineen, Johne Murphy; Ian Keatley, Cathal Sheridan, John Ryan, Damien Varley Capt., Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Ian Nagle; Dave O’Callaghan, Sean Dougall, Paddy Butler.

Replacements from: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, BJ Botha, Donncha O’Callaghan, Billy Holland, CJ Stander, Niall Ronan, James Coughlan, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Rory Scannell, Johnny Holland, Cian Bohane.