Munster Get Set For Coventry Trip
The Munster squad for Friday’s British & Irish Cup opener against Coventry at Butts Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm) has been named.
The selected 23-man Munster panel includes all those who were involved in the recent interprovincial win over Ulster at Musgrave Park, along with senior players Niall Ronan, Julien Brugnaut, Nick Willams and youngster Danny Barnes who was engaged on that occasion with the Munster Academy side that played the Ireland Under-20s.
The squad has been training at the University of Limerick under the watchful eyes of coach Anthony Foley and his assistant Ian Costello, although both Felix Jones and Denis Hurley have been required in Dublin to train with the Ireland squad.
Coventry gave themselves the best possible preparation for the visit of Munster with 21-6 away win over Birmingham & Solihull Bees last Sunday.
They led 16-6 at the break, having played with a stiff wind at their backs in the opening half. The only score after the restart came from centre Fangatapu Apikotoa.
Coventry lie in eighth place in the Championship League table, 13 points behind second-placed Bristol Rugby who Munster play next on Friday week (November 27) in Nenagh.
MUNSTER Squad (v Coventry) – Backs (10): Felix Jones, Denis Hurley, Danny Riordan, Danny Barnes, Simon Zebo, Tom Gleeson, Scott Deasy, Declan Cusack, Duncan Williams, Paul Rowley.
Forwards (13): Julien Brugnaut, Stephen Archer, Dave Kilcoyne, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Ian Nagle, Dave Foley, Peter O’Mahony, Billy Holland, Niall Ronan, Tommy O’Donnell, Nick Williams, James Coughlan.