Youngsters Make Step Up To Munster's European Squad

While the tried and trusted are all included, there is a very youthful look to Munster's extended Heineken Cup squad with 17 of the 38 players under 25 years of age.

The selected squad includes seven players who will be experiencing Heineken Cup fare for the first time and three - Casey Laulala, James Downey and Sean Dougall - experiencing it for the first time in Munster colours.

The panel also includes Academy hooker Duncan Casey and Ireland Under-20 starlet JJ Hanrahan, who only made his senior debut last weekend in the win over Newport Gwent Dragons at Thomond Park.

Notable absentees are Ian Nagle, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, Scott Deasy and CJ Stander, the South African who is set to join Munster at the conclusion of the Currie Cup.

Stander is not available for the opening two rounds of the Heineken Cup but along with a second player, can be added at a later stage.

MUNSTER Heineken Cup Squad - Backs (16): Denis Hurley, Felix Jones, Doug Howlett, Danny Barnes, Luke O'Dea, JJ Hanrahan, Johne Murphy, Simon Zebo, Casey Laulala, James Downey, Keith Earls, Duncan Williams, Peter Stringer, Conor Murray, Ian Keatley, Ronan O'Gara.

Forwards (22): Marcus Horan, Wian du Preez, BJ Botha, John Ryan, Stephen Archer, Duncan Casey, Sean Henry, Damien Varley,Mike Sherry, Dave Kilcoyne, Donnacha Ryan, David O'Callaghan, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, David Foley, Billy Holland, Niall Ronan, Peter O'Mahony, Sean Dougall, Tommy O'Donnell, Paddy Butler, James Coughlan.

Prop Mike Ross reflected on Leinster's Amlin Challenge Cup final success at the RDS, saying: "There's less hype about it but it's a good competition to win. Many teams have won this and kicked on the next year. Hopefully with the few lads, like Jack McGrath who made his first appearance in a major final, the experience will stand them in good stead for next year."

Speaking in the aftermath of Leinster's Amlin Challenge Cup final win over Stade Francais, flanker Shane Jennings said: "There was obviously disappointment losing the three league finals. It's a huge focus for us (next week's PRO12 final). We know Ulster are a very good side, they are favourites and they're fresh and we're in for a huge game."

Speaking about Connacht's 'Grassroots to Green Shirts' initiative, the province's CEO Tom Sears said: "We like to think we're innovative in our approach, that we're looking at things slightly differently. We've shown that the production line is working with the young players coming through. The system is working, we just need a bit more investment to make sure we can get more players through."

Connacht's head of commercial and marketing Alex Saul talks about some exciting developments off the pitch for the province, including their 'Grassroots to Green Shirts' crowd-funding initiative which gives fans the chance to play their part in growing and developing the future stars of Connacht and Irish rugby.

Speaking to Rob Murphy after Connacht's 17-0 defeat at Biarritz, head coach Eric Elwood said: "We ideally wanted to come here and build on last week's performance and play rugby. But when you have conditions like that, they become a great leveller and we had to go toe-to-toe with a heavyweight in their big pack. The effort and courage of the guys was magnificent though."

Speaking after Connacht's memorable 22-14 defeat of Biarritz Olympique, head coach Eric Elwood said: "We've shown a lot of faith in the young guys - if you play well, you'll stay in the team. Mick Kearney, Jason Harris-Wright, Dave McSharry and Robbie Henshaw...they were magnificent. They looked comfortable in that environment. That's what we're about, bringing those young, indigenous players through."