Munster Rugby name team to face Zebre in home URC clash

The Munster Rugby team has been named for Friday night’s BKT URC Round 11 clash against Zebre at Virgin Media Park at 7.35pm. 

Four Academy players are included as Tony Butler and Ruadhán Quinn both start with Ethan Coughlan and Ben O’Connor, who returns from the Ireland U20s, among the replacements.

Joey Carbery picked up a slight knock in training and was unavailable for selection. 22-year-old Alex Kendellen captains the team with four changes to the side that beat Scarlets earlier this month.

Tom Ahern and Craig Casey return from senior international duty to start with Jeremy Loughman who is also back from Ireland camp among the replacements.

There is a new half-back pairing of Butler and Casey as Josh Wycherley and John Ryan come into the front row as Mike Haley makes his 99th start for Munster at full-back with Seán O’Brien and Shane Daly on either wing.

Alex Nankivell and Antoine Frisch continue their centre partnership with Casey and Butler at nine and ten. Wycherley, Niall Scannell and Ryan pack down in the front row with Ahern and RG Snyman in the engine room. Quinn, Kendellen and Gavin Coombes complete the side.

Eoghan Clarke, Jeremy Loughman and Stephen Archer provide the front row back-up with Fineen Wycherley and Jack O’Sullivan completing the forward cover. Coughlan, Rory Scannell and O’Connor are the backline replacements.

Munster's clash in Virgin Media Park will be shown live on TG4 from 7:20pm. 

MUNSTER RUGBY: Mike Haley, Seán O’Brien, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly, Tony Butler, Craig Casey, Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, RG Snyman, Ruadhán Quinn, Alex Kendellen (C), Gavin Coombes. 

REPLACEMENTS: Eoghan Clarke, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Sullivan, Ethan Coughlan, Rory Scannell, Ben O’Connor.