Munster Rugby make 10 changes for home URC fixture with Edinburgh on Friday night

THE Munster Rugby team has been named for Friday night’s URC Round 3 clash against Edinburgh at Virgin Media Park, 7.45pm kick-off.

Munster report that more than 8,000 tickets have already been snapped up for the fixture.

The Munster starting line-up shows 10 changes to the side that beat Cardiff at Thomond Park last weekend.

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Last season’s Player of the Year Tom Farrell, Calvin Nash, Andrew Smith and Michael Milne all start on their first appearances of the new season.

Captain Diarmuid Barron, Mike Haley, Seán O’Brien, JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Patterson and Jack O’Donoghue also come into the side.

Replacement Edwin Edogbo is in line for his first appearance since December 2023 after recovering from injury with John Ryan set for his first appearance of the season.

Some 35 players have been selected in matchday squads over the first three games of the season.

Haley, Nash and Smith start in the back three with O’Brien and Farrell teaming up in midfield. Patterson and Hanrahan start together in the half-backs.

Milne, Barron and Oli Jager pack down in the front row with Jean Kleyn and Ahern starting together in the engine room for the third game in succession.

Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn and Gavin Coombes complete the side.

Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley and Ryan provide the front row back-up with Edogbo and Brian Gleeson completing the forward cover.

Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.

Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Seán O’Brien, Andrew Smith; JJ Hanrahan, Paddy Patterson; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron (Capt), Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Dan Kelly.

Unavailable for selection this week:

Shane Daly (head) – following return-to-play protocols.
Tom Ahern (head) – following return-to-play protocols.
Niall Scannell (hand laceration) – will return in one to two weeks.
Diarmuid Kilgallen (ankle) – will return in one to two weeks.
Craig Casey (thigh) – will return in one to three weeks.
John Hodnett (cheek) – will return in two to three weeks.
Alex Kendellen (ankle) – will return in six to eight weeks.
Conor Bartley (thigh) – will return in six to eight weeks.