TEAM | Coombes set for 50th appearance in inter-provincial tie with Leinster

The Munster team has been named for Saturday’s URC Interpro derby against Leinster at Thomond Park (7pm).

Gavin Coombes, who signed a new contract until 2025 this week, starts at no.8 on his 50th appearance for Munster.

Peter O’Mahony returns to captain the team as one of nine changes to the side that secured a bonus-point win over Benetton at Musgrave Park last week.

Fellow Ireland internationals Joey Carbery and Conor Murray also come in to the starting XV along with Calvin Nash, Chris Farrell, Chris Cloete, Jason Jenkins, Jeremy Loughman and Niall Scannell.

Replacements Thomas Ahern and Keith Earls are both set for their first appearances since January after recovering from their respective injuries.

Matt Gallagher starts at full-back with Nash and Shane Daly, who switches to the left wing, on either flank.

Damian de Allende moves to inside centre as Chris Farrell returns to the side at 13 with Murray and Carbery in the half-backs.

Jeremy Loughman, who recently earned his first international call-up, Niall Scannell and Stephen Archer pack down in the front row.

Jason Jenkins makes his first start for Munster in the second row alongside Fineen Wycherley, who starts his eighth game in succession.

O’Mahony, Chris Cloete and Coombes complete the starting XV.

Greencore Munster Rugby Academy back-row forward Alex Kendellen, who started the last three games at no.8, is included in the replacements and in line for his 13th appearance of the season.

Munster: Matt Gallagher; Calvin Nash, Chris Farrell, Damian de Allende, Shane Daly; Joey Carbery, Conor Murray; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Jason Jenkins, Fineen Wycherley; Peter O’Mahony (C), Chris Cloete, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Thomas Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Craig Casey, Ben Healy, Keith Earls.

In injury news, Dave Kilcoyne is being managed for a neck injury sustained in Ireland’s final game of the 6 Nations against Scotland.

Tadhg Beirne continues to be assessed for a thigh injury sustained in the same match.

Simon Zebo has completed the return to play protocols and returns to full training early next week along with Jean Kleyn (leg) and Mike Haley (knee).