The Munster team has been announced for the upcoming URC opener against Sharks at Thomond Park on Saturday at 5:15 pm.
Academy scrum-half Ethan Coughlan is set to make his first start for the province, in a team that also includes five Academy players. Edwin Edogbo is also in the starting lineup, while Kieran Ryan, Brian Gleeson, and Shay McCarthy are poised for their senior debuts as substitutes.
The game marks Andrew Conway's 150th appearance for Munster, returning after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out of competitive fixtures since June 2022. Notably, this match also signifies Josh Wycherley's 50th appearance for Munster, as he holds his place in the front row alongside new signing Alex Nankivell, who arrives from New Zealand and is named among the replacements.
📢 TEAM NEWS | Here is your Munster side to face Sharks in the season-opener at Thomond Park tomorrow evening 💪
Ethan Coughlan makes his 1st start with Andrew Conway set for his 150th appearance.
Click the pic below for full details.#MUNvSHA #SUAF 🔴— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) October 20, 2023
The backline contains Shane Daly at full-back, with Conway and Calvin Nash on the wings. The midfield partnership of Rory Scannell and Antoine Frisch starts, while Ethan Coughlan and Joey Carbery take charge of the half-back positions. In the forward pack, Wycherley, Barron, and Archer from the front row, supported by Edogbo and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room. Captain Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, and Gavin Coombes complete the lineup.
The replacements include Scott Buckley, Kieran Ryan, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson, Neil Cronin, Alex Nankivell, and Shay McCarthy. It promises to be an exciting match, with Munster fans eagerly awaiting the team's performance in this season opener.
Munster:
Fullback: 15 Shane Daly;
Winger: 14 Andrew Conway,
Centres: 13 Antoine Frisch, 12 Rory Scannell,
Winger 11:Â Calvin Nash;
Outhalf: 1o Joey Carbery, Scrumhalf: 9Ethan Coughlan;
Front row 1:Josh Wycherley, 2. Diarmuid Barron, 3. Stephen Archer;
Second row: 4Â Edwin Edogbo, 5.Fineen Wycherley;
Back row 6. Jack O’Donoghue (C), 7. Alex Kendellen, 8. Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Scott Buckley, Kieran Ryan, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Brian Gleeson, Neil Cronin, Alex Nankivell, Shay McCarthy.
