Debut for Hodnett as JvG names side for Kings clash

The Munster side to take on Southern Kings at Irish Independent Park on Friday night in the Guinness PRO14 has been named (7.35pm).

Head Coach Johann van Graan hands a first start to first year Greencore Munster Rugby Academy man John Hodnett as the back-row forward makes his PRO14 debut.

Rosscarbery man Hodnett is a product of Clonakilty RFC, was a Grand Slam-winner with the Ireland U20s last season and has featured regularly for UCC this year.

Billy Holland captains the side on his 226th Munster appearance.

Full-back Mike Haley, Calvin Nash and Shane Daly make up the back three.

Dan Goggin and Chris Farrell are named as the centre partnership with Neil Cronin and JJ Hanrahan in the half-backs.

It’s an all-international front row with James Cronin, Niall Scannell and John Ryan named in the starting XV.

Fineen Wycherley and Billy Holland start in the second row with Jack O’Donoghue, Hodnett and Arno Botha completing the side.

Two Academy players are among the replacements, prop Keynan Knox and out-half Ben Healy.

The clash is one of three Munster games during the 6 Nations with Head Coach Johann van Graan set to utilise the majority of his squad and spread game-time over the three matches.

Find out all you need to know ahead of the game here.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Chris Farrell, Dan Goggin, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan, Neil Cronin; James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Fineen Wycherley, Billy Holland (C); Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett, Arno Botha.

Replacements: Kevin O’Byrne, Jeremy Loughman, Keynan Knox, Gavin Coombes, Chris Cloete, Nick McCarthy, Ben Healy, Rory Scannell.