Munster Rugby eye visit of Stade Francais to Limerick in Champions Cup

MUNSTER Rugby welcome back their Ireland internationals to the squad for Saturday's crunch Investec Champions Cup opening group fixture with Stade Francais at Thomond Park this Saturday.

Munster captain Tadgh Beirne, Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Calvin Nash all return to the squad from international duty with Ireland in the Autumn Nations Series.

Munster hooker Diarmuid Barron says the returning internationals bring ‘an extra lift’ to the squad.

“Sure characters like Pete and Tadhg, they'll bring an extra lift to the place, the lot of them to be honest,” Barron said in the wake of Munster's crucial URC win over the Lions at Thomond Park on Saturday last.

“They're in international camp for a reason because they bring something. It's the same down here when they're here they're bringing a lot. They've made that step up because of that. It's always good to have them back.”

Munster go into Saturday's game with Stade Francais following news that Chris Boyd has joined the province as Performance Consultant. In his role, Boyd will support Interim Head Coach Ian Costello and the wider coaching group over the coming months in addition to providing support to the wider aspects of team performance.

Boyd led the Hurricanes to a Super Rugby title during his time as head coach of the New Zealand club between 2015-2018. The New Zealander joined Northampton Saints as Director of Rugby ahead of the 2018/19 season, enjoying a successful four-year tenure .

Munster also confirmed this week that centre Alex Nankivell and prop Stephen Archer had both signed contract extensions. Nankivell has signed a two-year extension to keep him at the province until at least 2027.

Archer, who is the province’s record appearance-holder, has signed a contract extension to keep him at Munster until the end of the season.

Looking ahead to Saturday's crucial Champions Cup clash with Stade Francais, Munster interim head coach Ian Costello said: “It's a special competition for the club. There's always an extra level of excitement. We are going back into a competition that we love. .

“We've some decisions to make around selection and we get to play in Thomand Park again. Another opportunity, to show people what we stand for and what we represent.”

Diarmuid Barron is expecting a massive physical battle against Stade Francais.

“A hugely physical battle first of all as a front row. They obviously have some incredible talent out wide. A huge challenege, an exciting one,” Barron said.

Munster's victory over the Lions last Saturday night comes a timely boost ahead of the Champions Cup opener.
Before last Saturday's Munster had managed to win two of their opening six games in the URC.

“(Saturday night) was really important to reflect and represent the work that we've done in the last few weeks. We didn't look any further than (Saturday night). Now we get to park that for three weeks,” Costello said.

Following the game with Stade Francais, Munster will travel to Castres on December 13 in round two of the Champions Cup. Stade Francias have won four games and lost seven games in their domestic league, the Top 14 this season.