Tommy O’Donnell returns from injury to captain Munster against London Irish

Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan has named an extended 30-man squad for tomorrow’s game against London Irish at Irish Independent Park (7.30pm).

Ireland international Tommy O’Donnell will captain Munster for the first time since leading the province to a win over the Maori All Blacks in November 2016.

Stephen Fitzgerald starts at full-back with Calvin Nash and Darren Sweetnam on the flanks.

Rory Scannell and Dan Goggin team up in the centres with James Hart and JJ Hanrahan providing the half-back pairing.

Jeremy Loughman, Kevin O’Byrne and Brian Scott make up the front row with Fineen Wycherley and Darren O’Shea in the engine room.

Dave O’Callaghan, O’Donnell and Greencore Munster Rugby Academy player Gavin Coombes form the back row.

Tipperary prop Cronan Gleeson, who has trained with the squad during pre-season, is among the front row replacements alongside Dave Kilcoyne, Mike Sherry and Ciaran Parker.

Billy Holland, Jean Kleyn and Academy players Sean O’Connor and Jack Daly complete the forward cover.

Former Garryowen captain Neil Cronin is among the backline replacements along with another new recruit Mike Haley.  Ian Keatley and Academy trio Jack Stafford, Alex McHenry and Liam Coombes also start on the bench.

Cronan Gleeson, Jack Daly, Alex McHenry, Liam Coombes and Mike Haley are set to make their first senior appearances for Munster in the clash.

The game will see Munster play on the new modified 3G pitch at Irish Independent Park for the first time.

Munster: Stephen Fitzgerald; Calvin Nash, Dan Goggin, Rory Scannell, Darren Sweetnam; JJ Hanrahan, James Hart; Jeremy Loughman, Kevin O’Byrne, Brian Scott; Fineen Wycherley, Darren O’Shea; Dave O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Donnell (C), Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Mike Sherry, Cronan Gleeson, Dave Kilcoyne, Ciaran Parker, Billy Holland, Jean Kleyn, Sean O’Connor, Jack Daly, Neil Cronin, Jack Stafford, Ian Keatley, Shane Daly, Alex McHenry, Liam Coombes, Mike Haley.