Cronin, Sherry And O’Shea To Start For Munster ‘A’
Munster ‘A’ head coach Peter Malone has made seven changes for Friday’s British & Irish Cup round 2 clash with Nottingham at Irish Independent Park (kick-off 7.45pm).
James Cronin returns from a knee injury to start at loosehead prop with hooker Mike Sherry one of four players promoted from the replacements, who were on duty for last week’s 24-6 win away to the Ospreys Premiership Select.
Havin successfully rehabbed his shoulder post-surgery, Darren O’Shea will make his first appearance of the season in the second row, while Cork Constitution’s Evan Mintern completes the changes in the pack after his good showing off the bench in Swansea.
Out-half Bill Johnston and winger Liam Coombes are also promoted to the starting XV with Coombes’ Academy colleague Jack Power set for his Munster ‘A’ debut on the right wing.
In terms of positional changes, Brian Scott moves across to tighthead, captain David Johnston starts in the centre with Stephen Fitzgerald switching to full-back.
Named on the bench by head coach Peter Malone, Academy out-half Conor Fitzgerald, UCC’s John Hodnett and Young Munster’s Conor Hayes are all in line for British & Irish Cup debuts.
Tickets for Friday’s game at Irish Independent Park can be purchased online at munsterrugby.ie or at the ground on the night from 6.45pm. Ticket prices: €;10 for adults, €;3 for juniors and €;20 for family packs (two adults and two juniors).
Please note: entry to this match is free for all Munster Rugby 10-Year/Season Ticket holders and Munster Rugby Supporters Club members on production of membership cards or tickets books.
MUNSTER ‘A’ (v Nottingham): Stephen Fitzgerald; Jack Power, David Johnston (capt), Sam Arnold, Liam Coombes; Bill Johnston, James Hart; James Cronin, Mike Sherry, Brian Scott, Darren O’Shea, Sean McCarthy, Sean O’Connor, Gavin Coombes, Evan Mintern.
Replacements: John Hodnett, Ciaran Parker, Fineen Wycherley, Ronan Coffey, John Poland, Conor Fitzgerald, Conor Hayes.