Munster British and Irish Cup Team Finalised

James Coughlan will lead the Munster A side when they kick off their British & Irish Cup campaign against Coventry in Butts Stadium tomorrow evening (7.45pm).

Coughlan was particularly prominent in his side’s most recent victory, against Ulster in Musgrave Park and in welcoming the new competition said, “”It’s a great opportunity for us all but particularly the younger players. There’s a real team feeling amongst this squad especially after the 3 interpro wins and we’ve our own coaches with Axel (Anthony Foley)  and Ian Costello.

“Of course there’s a certain unknown factor about this fixture. We’ve seen the game between them (Coventry) and Bristol and we’re under no illusions about the task we face on Friday. But what the games we’ve played so far this season have done is give us confidence in our game plan and our ability to carry that out that plan. So I think we’re in good shape really and certainly looking forward to it.”

The Munster side includes internationals Denis Hurley, Julien Brugnaut and Niall Ronan who comes in for the injured Tommy O’Donnell while A international Felix Jones is at full back with the experienced Nick Williams on the bench.

Munster ‘A’. F Jones;  D Riordan, T Gleeson, S Deasy, D Hurley;  D Cusack, D Williams; J Brugnaut, M Sherry, S Archer; I Nagle, D Foley;  B Holland, N Ronan, J Coughlan capt. Replacements: S Henry, D Kilcoyne, N Williams, P O’Mahony, D Barnes, S Zebo,  P Rowley.