Arnold And O’Connor Return To Munster ‘A’ Team
Munster ‘A’ head coach Peter Malone has named his team for Sunday’s British & Irish Cup quarter-final against Ulster ‘A’ at Irish Independent Park (kick-off 3pm). Cian Bohane continues as captain with Malone making six changes to the side that defeated Doncaster Knights last time out.
Peter McCabe joins the front row at loosehead prop with the Academy’s Brian Scott reverting to tighthead and Kevin O’Byrne remaining at hooker for this weekend’s interprovincial clash.
Darren O’Shea and John Madigan continue in the second row, as does Conor Oliver at openside flanker. In the final two changes to the pack, Oliver is joined by his Academy colleague Sean O’Connor and number 8 Robin Copeland in the back row. O’Connor makes his first appearance in red since undergoing surgery for an ankle injury sustained in the Munster ‘A’ team’s win over Rotherham Titans.
David Johnston switches to number 10 in forming a new half-back partnership with Cork Constitution’s John Poland, while in midfield, Sam Arnold is another welcome returnee for the Munstermen. Starting outside captain Cian Bohane, former Ulster player Arnold is back in the centre after sustaining a knee injury away to Doncaster in January.
The final two changes see Greg O’Shea and Dan Goggin take charge of the wing berths with Stephen Fitzgerald switching to full-back in completing an all-Academy back-three.
Should he be introduced off the bench, Duncan Casey will make his first appearance for the province since injuring his knee in Munster’s Champions Cup win over Glasgow Warriors back in October.
Meanwhile, Garryowen back rower Bailey Faloon and Young Munster half-back Abrie Griesel are both in line to play in the British & Irish Cup for the first time.
Munster ‘A’ v Ulster ‘A’ tickets are priced at €;10 for adults and €;3 for juniors. Family packs (two adults and two juniors are available at €;20. Munster Rugby Supporters Club members, Season Ticket and Ten-Year ticket holders will receive free entry on production of membership cards/season tickets.
Tickets are available to buy online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park or at the ground from 2pm on Sunday.
MUNSTER ‘A’ (v Ulster ‘A’): Stephen Fitzgerald; Dan Goggin, Sam Arnold, Cian Bohane (capt), Greg O’Shea; David Johnston, John Poland; Peter McCabe, Kevin O’Byrne, Brian Scott, John Madigan, Darren O’Shea, Sean O’Connor, Conor Oliver, Robin Copeland.
Replacements: Duncan Casey, Liam O’Connor, Rory Burke, Bailey Faloon, John Foley, Abrie Griesel, Steven McMahon.