The Munster squad has been named for Saturday’s URC round four clash against Leinster at Croke Park (5.15pm, live on TG4 & Premier Sports).
Tickets are available for the Christmas Interpro derby against Leinster at Thomond Park here.
For the second game in succession, there are 10 changes to the side.
Last Friday’s bonus-point victory over Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park saw Munster make it three wins to start the season, collecting 14 of the 15 available points.
Munster captain Tadhg Beirne starts in the back row on his first appearance of the season after winning the Player of the Series award for the British and Irish Lions in the summer. He becomes the 36th player to feature for the province so far this season.
Edwin Edogbo makes his first start since December 2023 after a successful return from injury as a replacement against Edinburgh last week.
Shane Daly, Thaakir Abrahams, Dan Kelly, Jack Crowley and Ethan Coughlan all come into the backline.
Along with Beirne and Edogbo, John Ryan, Jack O’Donoghue and Brian Gleeson join the pack.
Daly, Andrew Smith and Abrahams start in the back three with Kelly and last week’s Player of the Match Tom Farrell in midfield.
Coughlan and Crowley pair up in the half-backs.
Two-try Michael Milne keeps his place at loosehead along with hooker Diarmuid Barron as Ryan completes the front row.
Edogbo and Fineen Wycherley start together in the engine room with Wycherley making his fourth successive start.
Beirne, O’Donoghue and Gleeson form the back row.
Lee Barron, Jeremy Loughman and Academy prop Ronan Foxe provide the front row back-up with Jean Kleyn and Gavin Coombes completing the forward cover.
Paddy Patterson, JJ Hanrahan and Alex Nankivell are the backline replacements.
Munster Rugby: Shane Daly; Andrew Smith, Tom Farrell, Dan Kelly, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Ethan Coughlan; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Ronan Foxe, Jean Kleyn, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, JJ Hanrahan, Alex Nankivell.
Unavailable for selection this week:
Oli Jager (HIA) – following return-to-play protocols.
Mike Haley (HIA) – following return-to-play protocols.
Calvin Nash (shoulder) – to be confirmed.
Tom Ahern (HIA) – following return-to-play protocols.
Craig Casey (hamstring) – estimated return to play in one to two weeks.
Niall Scannell (hand laceration) – will return to play in one week.
Alex Kendellen (ankle) – will return in four weeks.
Conor Bartley (hamstring) – will return in four weeks.
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
