The Munster team has been named for Friday night’s URC Round 3 clash against Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park (7.45pm).
Over 8,000 tickets have already been snapped up, get the final tickets here.
There are 10 changes to the side that beat Cardiff at Thomond Park last week.
Last season’s Player of the Year Tom Farrell, Calvin Nash, Andrew Smith and Michael Milne all start on their first appearances of the new season.
Captain Diarmuid Barron, Mike Haley, Seán O’Brien, JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Patterson and Jack O’Donoghue also come into the side.
Replacement Edwin Edogbo is in line for his first appearance since December 2023 after recovering from injury with John Ryan set for his first appearance of the season.
35 players have been selected in matchday squads over the first three games of the season.
Haley, Nash and Smith start in the back three with O’Brien and Farrell teaming up in midfield. Patterson and Hanrahan start together in the half-backs.
Milne, Barron and Oli Jager pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley starting together in the engine room for the third game in succession.
Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn and Gavin Coombes complete the side.
Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley and Ryan provide the front row back-up with Edogbo and Brian Gleeson completing the forward cover.
Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith; JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Patterson; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron (C), Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Dan Kelly.
Unavailable for selection this week:
Shane Daly (head) – following return-to-play protocols.
Tom Ahern (head) – following return-to-play protocols.
Niall Scannell (hand laceration) – will return in one to two weeks.
Diarmuid Kilgallen (ankle) – will return in one to two weeks.
Craig Casey (thigh) – will return in one to three weeks.
John Hodnett (cheek) – will return in two to three weeks.
Alex Kendellen (ankle) – will return in six to eight weeks.
Conor Bartley (thigh) – will return in six to eight weeks.
Tickets
Friday, October 10
URC Round 3: Munster Rugby v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets
Saturday, October 25
URC Round 5: Munster Rugby v Connacht, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, November 1
Munster Rugby v Argentina XV, Thomond Park, 5pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, November 29
URC Round 6: Munster Rugby v DHL Stormers, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, December 13
Champions Cup Round 2: Munster Rugby v Gloucester Rugby, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, December 27
URC Round 7: Munster Rugby v Leinster Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, January 17
Champions Cup Round 4: Munster Rugby v Castres Olympique, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Friday, January 23
URC Round 10: Munster Rugby v Dragons RFC, Virgin Media Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, February 28
URC Round 12: Munster Rugby v Zebre Rugby, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, April 25
URC Round 16: Munster Rugby v Ulster Rugby, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
Saturday, May 16
URC Round 18: Munster Rugby v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.45pm; Buy tickets here
