Burke to make Munster return this evening

Paul Burke, who first played for Munster in 1994, makes his return while prop Mike Storey makes his debut against London Irish tonight.

Munster’s side to play London Irish this evening shows a return for Paul Burke and a new cap in the form of prop Mike Storey.

Burke has showed up very well in training and coach Alan Gaffney is delighted with his attitude, which doesn’t see him himself as a back-up player. “He’s not here to play second string and that’s the attitude I wanted. If he didn’t have that attitude, then you wouldn’t want him anyway” said the Munster coach.

Storey is an Irish-qualified prop from Auckland that had been due to arrive a year earlier but suffered an injury that caused him to miss most of last season.

It will also be interesting to see how Christian Cullen goes, as he is apparently showing the benefit of his first pre-season regime in eight years. He has always had playing commitments at this time of year.

The side also includes Denis Leamy, who missed most of last season through injury and is reported to be going very well in training.

London Irish include their three Irish internationals in their side – Justin Bishop, Bob Casey and Kieron Dawson – but Barry Everitt is at home awaiting the birth of his first child.

Munster (v London Irish, Thomond Park, Tuesday August 17th, 7pm)

C Cullen; M Lawlor, M Mullins, J Holland, A Horgan; P Burke, E Reddan; G McIlwham, J Flannery, M Storey; T Hogan, T Hayes; S Keogh, D Leamy, J Williams.

Replacements (from) J Storey, R Henderson, M Prendergast, F Murphy, B Touhy, B Murphy, M McPhail, D Ryan, J O’Connor, E McGovern.