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.