The Munster team has been named for Saturday\u2019s crucial Investec Champions Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Thomond Park.<\/p>\n
The game kicks off at 5.30pm with tickets available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Captain Tadhg Beirne will lead Munster on his 100th appearance for the province.<\/p>\n There are three changes to the side that were narrowly beaten in Toulon last weekend as Thaakir Abrahams, Niall Scannell and Jean Kleyn all come into the starting XV.<\/p>\n Shane Daly, Abrahams and Academy man Ben O\u2019Connor start in the back three with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their centre partnership.<\/p>\n Craig Casey has recovered from a shoulder knock to start in the half-backs with Jack Crowley.<\/p>\n Jeremy Loughman, Scannell and Michael Ala\u2019alatoa pack down in the front row with Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.<\/p>\n An unchanged back row of Beirne, Jack O\u2019Donoghue and Gavin Coombes completes the starting XV.<\/p>\n Lee Barron, Michael Milne and Oli Jager provide the front row back-up with Jager included in a matchday squad for the first time since October after returning from a head injury.<\/p>\n Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson complete the forward cover.<\/p>\n Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan and Dan Kelly are the backline replacements.<\/p>\n Munster Rugby: Shane Daly; Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Ben O\u2019Connor; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Michael Ala\u2019alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O\u2019Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.<\/p>\n Replacements: Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, Dan Kelly.<\/p>\n Unavailable for selection this week:<\/p>\n Alex Kendellen (ankle) \u2013 will return to play in three to five weeks.<\/p>\n John Hodnett (thumb) \u2013 will return to play in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Se\u00e1n O\u2019Brien (shoulder) \u2013 will return to play in three to five weeks.<\/p>\n Tom Ahern (neck) \u2013 will return to play in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Calvin Nash (head\/shoulder) \u2013 will return to play in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Press Pass<\/p>\n Hear from Jeremy Loughman and Defence Coaach Denis Leamy ahead of the game.<\/p>\n \ufeff<\/p>\n Tickets<\/p>\n Saturday, January 17<\/p>\n Champions Cup Round 4: Munster Rugby v Castres Olympique, Thomond Park, 5.30pm;\u00a0Buy tickets here<\/a><\/p>\n Friday, January 23<\/p>\n URC Round 10: Munster Rugby v Dragons RFC, Virgin Media Park, 7.45pm;\u00a0Buy tickets here<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, February 28<\/p>\n URC Round 12: Munster Rugby v Zebre Rugby, Thomond Park, 5.30pm;\u00a0Buy tickets here<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, April 25<\/p>\n URC Round 16: Munster Rugby v Ulster Rugby, Thomond Park, 5.30pm;\u00a0Buy tickets here<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, May 16<\/p>\n