Munster team named to play Ulster in URC

The Munster side has been named for Friday’s URC Round 8 Interpro derby against Ulster in Belfast (7.35pm, live on Premier Sports & TG4).

There are six changes to the team that faced Castres last weekend.

Shane Daly and Paddy Patterson are drafted into the backline with John Ryan, Tom Ahern, captain Jack O’Donoghue and Gavin Coombes coming into the pack.

Mike Haley, Calvin Nash and Daly start together in the back three with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their centre partnership.

Patterson and Jack Crowley partner up in the half-backs.

John Ryan starts at loosehead prop with Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer completing the front row.

Ahern and Fineen Wycherley start together in the engine room with O’Donoghue, John Hodnett and Coombes completing the side.

Eoghan Clarke, Dave Kilcoyne and Oli Jager provide the front row back-up.

Academy lock Evan O’Connell, Alex Kendellen and Brian Gleeson complete the forward cover.

Ethan Coughlan and Rory Scannell are the backline replacements.

On the injury front, Peter O’Mahony (calf) and Diarmuid Barron (shoulder) were unavailable due to the knocks they picked up in Castres.

In line with IRFU player management guidelines, Tadhg Beirne was unavailable for selection.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Jack Crowley, Paddy Patterson; John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O'Donoghue (C), John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Evan O'Connell, Alex Kendellen, Ethan Coughlan, Rory Scannell, Brian Gleeson.