All You Need To Know | Munster v Sharks

22nd September 2021 By The Editor

Joey Carbery at training this week. Inpho

Munster’s big season opener is only days away as we finally welcome supporters in substantial numbers back to Thomond Park.

It’s fitting that the new era of the United Rugby Championship begins with a game against one of the new sides as South African heavyweights Cell C Sharks come to town.

Munster will be wearing our new adidas home kit in a competitive men’s fixture for the first time, available exclusively at Life Style Sports here.

Find out all you need to know ahead of the game below.

Where?

Thomond Park

When?

Saturday, September 25, 7.35pm

Tickets

Tickets are only available online here. Tickets will be available to purchase online right up to kick-off but will not be available to purchase at the Stadium on matchday.

Supporters are advised to download their tickets before they arrive at Thomond Park. If you do not have a smartphone, printed tickets will be accepted. See more ticket details here and read a guide on e-tickets here.

Munster News

Team Announcement

Event Information

Munster Development XV To Face Leinster

Gallery | Training Pics

Squad Update

This Week At Munster Rugby

Teams

Munster: Mike Haley; Andrew Conway, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Simon Zebo; Joey Carbery, Craig Casey; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Peter O’Mahony (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Keynan Knox, RG Snyman, Thomas Ahern, Rowan Osborne, Ben Healy, Chris Cloete.

Sharks: Curwin Bosch; Yaw Penxe, Werner Kok, Marius Louw, Thaakir Abrahams; Boeta Chamberlain, Ruan Pienaar; Khwezi Mona, Kerron van Vuuren, Thomas du Toit; Roux Roets, Gerbrandt Grobler; Dylan Richardson, Henco Venter, Phepsi Buthelezi (C).

Replacements: Fez Mbatha, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Khutha Mchunu, Mpilo Gumede, Ruben van Heerden, Hyron Andrews, Sanele Nohamba, Jeremy Ward.

Did you know?

This will be the first game with a substantial number of supporters at Thomond Park in 19 months. The last time we were able to host a big crowd was the bonus-point victory over Scarlets on February 29, 2020.

Match Programme

The official matchday programme will be available to download for free on matchday.

Preview

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting of Munster and the Sharks and we are set for a cracker at Thomond Park.

While the Sharks are new visitors to Thomond Park, the big story this weekend is the very welcome return of familiar faces as our supporters can finally join us for a competitive fixture.

The Thomond roar will be back with a bang and we are set for a special occasion on Saturday night.

Sharks come into the game battle-hardened and in good form having reached the Currie Cup final, losing out to the Bulls in the decider.

Clare man Noel McNamara recently joined the Sharks in the role of Backs and Attack Coach having previously coached the Ireland U20s and held the position of Leinster Academy Manager.

Former Munster lock Gerbrandt Grobler and short-term signing Thomas du Toit are set to feature for the Sharks with ex-Ulster scrum-half Ruan Pienaar also among the visiting squad (see full details of the Sharks squad here).

Video | Press Pass

Watch some of the best bits from this week’s Press Conference with Head Coach Johann van Graan and Jack O’Donoghue.

Video | Stadium Protocols & Laya Healthcare Signage

Hear about the protocols in place at Thomond Park from Munster Rugby Head of Operations Philip Quinn. A big thanks to our partners, Laya Healthcare, for providing signage throughout the stadium.