The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s URC Round 17 clash against Connacht at Dexcom Stadium (7.45pm, live on TG4 & Premier Sports).
There are five changes to the side that beat Ulster at Thomond Park two weeks ago.
Mike Haley returns from a groin injury to start at full-back with Dan Kelly also slotting into the backline.
Fineen Wycherley has recovered from a knee injury to start in the pack along with Michael Ala’alatoa and Edwin Edogbo.
Replacement Alex Kendellen will make his 100th appearance at the age of just 25 having made his Munster debut as an Academy player in March 2021.
Haley, Shane Daly and Andrew Smith are named in the back three with Kelly and Alex Nankivell starting together in midfield.
Captain Craig Casey and JJ Hanrahan start in the half-backs.
Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and Ala’alatoa pack down in the front row with Edogbo and Wycherley in the engine room.
Tom Ahern, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes start in an unchanged back row.
Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley and Conor Bartley provide the front row back-up as Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson and Kendellen complete the forward cover.
Ben O’Donovan and Seán O’Brien are the backline replacements.
Unfortunately, the Munster A fixture against Connacht Eagles that was due to be played on Friday at Ennis RFC has been postponed.
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Shane Daly, Alex Nankivell, Dan Kelly, Andrew Smith; JJ Hanrahan, Craig Casey (C); Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Seán O’Brien, Alex Kendellen.
Unavailable for selection this week:
Michael Milne (calf)
Oli Jager (head)
Tadhg Beirne (knee)
Jean Kleyn (bicep)
Tom Farrell (shoulder)
Calvin Nash (hamstring)
Jack Crowley (leg)
Press Pass
Hear from Skills & Assistant Attack Coach Mossy Lawler, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes ahead of the game.
Tickets
Saturday, May 16
URC Round 18: Munster Rugby v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
