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16 Apr 2026

Calvin Nash among stars returning to Munster rugby team for key URC fixture

Munster play Benetton in the URC this Saturday night

Calvin Nash among stars returning to Munster rugby team for key URC fixture

THE Munster team has been named for Saturday’s URC Round 15 clash against Benetton at Stadio Comunale di Monigo in Italy.

The has has a 7.45pm Irish time start and will be live on TG4 and Premier Sports.

There are eight changes to the side that faced Exeter Chiefs last time out when the province exited European action. 

Shane Daly, Calvin Nash, Andrew Smith. Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa, Jean Kleyn, Tom Ahern and John Hodnett all come into the side.

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Nash, Barron and Kleyn return from injury along with replacements Oli Jager and Brian Gleeson. 

Daly, Nash and Smith start in the back three. The centre and half-back partnerships are unchanged as Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell are paired in midfield with Craig Casey and Jack Crowley starting at nine and ten. 

Jeremy Loughman, Barron and Michael Ala’alatoa pack down in the front row with Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne in the engine room.

 A back row of Ahern, Hodnett and Gavin Coombes completes the side.

 Lee Barron, Michael Milne and Jager are the front row replacements with Edwin Edogbo, Gleeson and Alex Kendellen completing the forward cover.

 Academy scrum-half Ben O’Donovan and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.

MUNSTER: Shane Daly; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne; Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, Dan Kelly, Alex Kendellen.

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