Rugby News

Munster Rugby name side to face Castres Olympique in second round of Champions Cup

December 12, 2024

MUNSTER RUGBY have announced their team to face Castres Olympique in round two of the Champions Cup tomorrow night in France at 8pm.

Interim head coach Ian Costello has freshened up his starting XV by bringing Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, captain Tadhg Beirne, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson and Mike Haley into the team.

New signing Dian Bleuler will be joined by Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer in front row.

Captain Tadgh Beirne starts this Friday night after making an apperance from the bench last weekend against Stade Francais. Finn Wycherley keeps his place in the second row.

Brian Glesson will start his first game for Munster in the Champions Cup. Glesson will partnered in the back row by John Hodnett and Peter Mahony.

Irish internationals Craig Casey and Jack crowley continue at scrum half and out half.

Tom Farrell and Alex Nankivell line out in a unchanged centre partnership.

Mike Haley replaces Shane Daly at full back, while Calvin Nash and Thaakir Abrahams start on the wings once again.

Dave Kilcoyne and Oli Jagar make their long awaited returns from injuries. Both players take their place on the bench alongside Diarmuid Barron. Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen and Jack O’Donoghue provide the back row cover.

Paddy Patterson and Rory Scannell are the backline replacements. Munster will look to make it two wins out two after their 33-7 victory over Stade Francais last weekend.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (C); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Rory Scannell, Jack O’Donoghue.

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