The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s URC Round 11 clash against Scarlets at Thomond Park.
The game kicks off at 5.15pm with tickets available from €20 here.
There is one change to the side that beat Dragons 38-19 last time out as Josh Wycherley returns from a neck injury to start at loosehead prop.
Tom Ahern continues in the second row after returning from Ireland camp on Monday.
Academy full-back Ben O’Connor keeps his place in an unchanged backline and is one of three Academy players in the squad along with replacements Kieran Ryan and Shay McCarthy.
O’Connor, Shane Daly and Diarmuid Kilgallen start in the back three with Rory Scannell and Tom Farrell in midfield. Ethan Coughlan and Billy Burns continue their half-back partnership.
Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager start in the front row with Ahern and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.
Captain Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes complete the side.
Niall Scannell, Kieran Ryan and John Ryan provide the front row back-up as Brian Gleeson and John Hodnett complete the forward cover.
Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler and McCarthy are the backline replacements.
The game is the first of two URC Unity Round fixtures. The Munster squad will wear the socks of their underage club/school for the second Unity Round clash against Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park in two weeks.
Munster Rugby: Ben O’Connor (Highfield RFC/PBC); Shane Daly (Highfield RFC/PBC), Tom Farrell (Coolmine RFC/Castleknock College), Rory Scannell (PBC), Diarmuid Kilgallen (Naas RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea); Billy Burns (Beechen Cliff/Hartpury College), Ethan Coughlan (Ennis RFC); Josh Wycherley (Bantry Bay RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea), Diarmuid Barron (Cashel RFC/Rockwell College), Oli Jager (Naas RFC/Newbridge College/Blackrock College); Tom Ahern (Youghal RFC/Dungarvan RFC/Waterpark RFC), Fineen Wycherley (Bantry Bay RFC/Cistercian College Roscrea); Jack O’Donoghue (C) (Waterpark RFC), Alex Kendellen (PBC), Gavin Coombes (Skibbereen RFC).
Replacements: Niall Scannell (PBC), Kieran Ryan (Shannon RFC/St Munchin’s College), John Ryan (Muskerry RFC/CBC), Brian Gleeson (Thurles RFC/Rockwell College), John Hodnett (Clonakilty RFC), Paddy Patterson (Blackrock College), Tony Butler (Ennis RFC), Shay McCarthy (Richmond RFC/St Munchin’s College).
Press Pass
Hear from Attack Coach Mike Prendergast and Josh Wycherley ahead of the game.
Tickets
URC Round 11: Saturday, February 15
Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 12: Friday, February 28
Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
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
