Jack O’Donoghue returns to Munster squad
Munster Rugby Squad Training, UL, Limerick 20/12/2023 Jack O'Donoghue Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
There is great news for Waterford and Munster rugby fans this afternoon as the team for Friday night’s URC Round 12 clash against Ospreys in Swansea (7.35pm, live on TG4 & Premier Sports) was named.
After going off injured against Connacht on New Year’s Day, Jack O’Donoghue makes his first appearance in a match day squad, where he will start on the bench.
Ardmore’s Thomas Ahern continues his second-row partnership with two-time World Cup winner, RG Snyman.
There are three changes to the side that beat Zebre at Virgin Media Park last time out as Joey Carbery and Rory Scannell come into the backline and John Hodnett starts in the pack.
It will be a proud day for Mike Haley as he makes his 100th appearance and 100th start for Munster at full-back.
Alex Kendellen captains the side from the back row.
Haley, Seán O’Brien and Shane Daly start in an unchanged back three with Scannell coming in to partner Antoine Frisch in midfield.
Craig Casey is joined by Carbery in the half-backs.
Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell and John Ryan keep their places in the front row with Tom Ahern and RG Snyman continuing their second-row partnership.
John Hodnett returns from injury to start alongside Kendellen and Gavin Coombes in the back row.
Eoghan Clarke, Jeremy Loughman and Stephen Archer provide the front row back-up with Jack O’Donoghue and Academy back-row Ruadhán Quinn completing the forward cover.
Academy trio Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler and Shay McCarthy are the backline replacements.
Munster: Mike Haley; Seán O’Brien, Antoine Frisch, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Joey Carbery, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Tom Ahern, RG Snyman; John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen (C), Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Shay McCarthy.
