Munster Rugby team to host Bulls at Thomond Park named

THE Munster Rugby team has been named for Saturday’s URC Round 15 clash against Vodacom Bulls at Thomond Park, 5.15pm kick-off.

There are four changes to the side that lost to Bordeaux-Begles in the Investec Champions Cup last weekend as Seán O’Brien, Niall Scannell, Tom Ahern and Alex Kendellen all come into the side.

Hooker Lee Barron is included among the replacements having joined Munster ahead of schedule on loan this week.

READ NEXT: Limerick rugby volunteers to be celebrated and honoured by IRFU

Diarmuid Kilgallen is included among the replacements having resumed training this week and is set for his first appearance since February.

Thaakir Abrahams continues at full-back with O’Brien and Andrew Smith on either wing.

The midfield and half-back partnerships are unchanged as Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell start in midfield with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley in the half-backs.

Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell and Oli Jager pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.

Ahern, Peter O’Mahony and Kendellen complete the side.

Lee Barron, Mark Donnelly, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O’Donoghue and Academy flanker Ruadhán Quinn provide the forward cover.

Conor Murray and Kilgallen are the backline replacements.

Gavin Coombes, Calvin Nash (both ankle), Diarmuid Barron (shoulder/arm) and John Hodnett (toe) were unavailable after sustaining injuries in Bordeaux.

MUNSTER RUGBY: Thaakir Abrahams; Seán O'Brien, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (Capt); Tom Ahern, Peter O'Mahony, Alex Kendellen. Replacements: Lee Barron, Mark Donnelly, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Jack O'Donoghue, Conor Murray, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Ruadhán Quinn.