Munster Reveal 38-Man Squad For Champions Cup
Munster head coach Anthony Foley has nominated his 38-man squad for European Champions Cup registration this week.
Having joined the province from the UC Brumbies at the start of the season, Andrew Smith has been included in his first European squad and will look to bring his impressive league form to Munster’s inaugural Champions Cup campaign.
Argentinian hooker Eusebio Guinazu, who began a short-term contract with the province this week, has also been included by the Munster management with injuries ruling out Niall Scannell and Mike Sherry.
Academy graduates Shane Buckley and Johnny Holland – promoted to senior development contracts at the start of the season – have impressed in both pre-season and Guinness PRO12 action to date and earn European consideration for the first time, as does hooker Kevin O’Byrne (pictured below), who featured in the opening three rounds of the PRO12.
Munster may register up to two additional players during the pool stages, each to replace a player previously registered, and if two additional players are selected one such player must be front row cover.
MUNSTER Champions Cup Squad – Backs (16): Denis Hurley, Felix Jones, Simon Zebo, Keith Earls, Ronan O’Mahony, Gerhard van den Heever, Andrew Smith, Johne Murphy, Ivan Dineen, Andrew Conway, Ian Keatley, JJ Hanrahan, Johnny Holland, Conor Murray, Cathal Sheridan, Duncan Williams.
Forwards (22): Stephen Archer, BJ Botha, Alan Cotter, James Cronin, David Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Eusebio Guinazu, Duncan Casey, Damien Varley, Kevin O’Byrne, David Foley, Billy Holland, Shane Buckley, David O’Callaghan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Paul O’Connell, Paddy Butler, Sean Dougall, Tommy O’Donnell, Peter O’Mahony (capt), CJ Stander, Robin Copeland.