The Munster side has been named for Friday’s sold-out URC Round 12 clash against Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park (7.35pm, live on TG4).
A capacity 8,800 crowd will attend with eight changes to the side that recorded a bonus-point win against Scarlets last time out as Niall Scannell captains the side.
Two players have been released from Ireland camp as John Hodnett and Calvin Nash are named in the starting XV.
Hodnett, Nash, Alex Nankivell, Shay McCarthy, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Evan O’Connell and Brian Gleeson all start.
Nankivell makes a welcome return from injury having been out of action since December.
Four Academy players are included with Ben O’Connor at full-back, McCarthy on the wing and O’Connell in the second row as flanker Ruadhán Quinn is included among the replacements.
O’Connor, Nash and McCarthy are named in the back three with Nankivell and Tom Farrell in midfield as Ethan Coughlan and Billy Burns start in the half-backs.
Josh Wycherley, Scannell and Ryan pack down in the front row with O’Connell and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.
Tom Ahern, Hodnett and Gleeson start in the back row.
Diarmuid Barron, Mark Donnelly and Stephen Archer provide the front-row back-up. Donnelly is in line for his first appearance of the season after missing the last number of months due to an ankle injury sustained on Emerging Ireland duty.
Quinn and Alex Kendellen complete the forward cover.
Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler and Seán O’Brien are the backline replacements. O’Brien is set for his first appearance since October after recovering from a leg injury.
Munster Rugby: Ben O’Connor (Highfield RFC/PBC); Calvin Nash (Young Munster RFC/Crescent College Comp), Tom Farrell (Coolmine RFC/Castleknock College), Alex Nankivell (Christchurch Boys High School), Shay McCarthy (Richmond RFC/St Munchin’s College); Billy Burns (Beechen Cliff), Ethan Coughlan (Ennis RFC); Josh Wycherley (Bantry Bay RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea), Niall Scannell (C) (PBC), John Ryan (Muskerry RFC/CBC); Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemian RFC/Castletroy College), Fineen Wycherley (Bantry Bay RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea); Tom Ahern ((Youghal RFC/Dungarvan RFC/Waterpark RFC), John Hodnett (Clonakilty RFC), Brian Gleeson (Thurles RFC/Rockwell College).
Replacements: Diarmuid Barron (Cashel RFC/Rockwell College), Mark Donnelly (Midleton RFC), Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution FC), Ruadhán Quinn (Ballina-Killaloe RFC), Alex Kendellen (PBC), Paddy Patterson (Blackrock College), Tony Butler (Ennis RFC), Seán O’Brien (Mullingar RFC).
Tickets
URC Round 12: Friday, February 28
Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; SOLD OUT
URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19
Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 17: Friday, May 9
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Friday, May 16
Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here
