Munster Rugby has formally announced its starting lineup for the upcoming Investec Champions Cup match against Bayonne. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to take place this Saturday at 5.30pm at Thomond Park. Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased through the official website.
Tadhg Beirne has been appointed as the captain of the team, and there have been significant changes to the starting XV following last week’s triumphant victory over Glasgow Warriors at Musgrave Park. Notably, three Academy players, including winger Shay McCarthy, will be making their Champions Cup debut. Additionally, players such as Rory Scannell, Conor Murray, Scott Buckley, John Ryan, and Fineen Wycherley will also be joining the side.
An exciting development in the lineup is the inclusion of Calvin Nash, who will be starting as a full-back for the first time. Other significant debuts include Tom Ahern and Alex Nankivell. Furthermore, winger Seán O’Brien will be making his first appearance in the Champions Cup for Munster.
The midfield will be led by Scannell and Nankivell, with Murray and Jack Crowley as the half-backs. The front row will consist of Jeremy Loughman, Buckley, and John Ryan, while Wycherley and Beirne will take on the engine room responsibilities. The back row will feature Ahern, John Hodnett, and Gavin Coombes.
Notably, former Academy hooker Eoghan Clarke is in line to make his debut for Munster and is among the replacements. Academy out-half Tony Butler and full-back/winger Ben O’Connor are also included in the squad. Jack O’Donoghue, who has recovered from an ankle injury, will also be among the replacements.
Unfortunately, there are several players who are unavailable for selection due to minor injuries, including Edwin Edogbo, Diarmuid Barron, Shane Daly, Oli Jager, Patrick Campbell, and Simon Zebo. However, Keith Earls and Andrew Conway will be present at half-time, providing an opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation for their contributions to Munster Rugby.
The official lineup for the upcoming match is as follows:
Munster:
Calvin Nash; Shay McCarthy; Alex Nankivell; Rory Scannell; Seán O’Brien; Jack Crowley; Conor Murray; Jeremy Loughman; Scott Buckley; John Ryan; Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (Captain); Tom Ahern; John Hodnett; Gavin Coombes.
Replacements:
Eoghan Clarke; Josh Wycherley; Stephen Archer; Jack O’Donoghue; Alex Kendellen; Craig Casey; Tony Butler; Ben O’Connor.
Supporters can also gain insights from Attack Coach Mike Prendergast and Diarmuid Barron as they share their thoughts ahead of the game.
The match against Bayonne is eagerly anticipated, and with the new additions to the team, there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Enthusiasts are encouraged to witness the electrifying action as Munster Rugby takes on Bayonne in this highly anticipated Champions Cup opener.