The Munster squad have started preparations at the HPC ahead of Saturday\u2019s Investec Champions Cup Pool 2 opener against Bath at The Rec (8pm, live on Premier Sports).<\/p>\n
It will be Munster\u2019s first competitive game against Bath since October 2000.<\/p>\n
It is the first game of a Champions Cup double-header with Munster hosting Gloucester at P\u00e1irc U\u00ed Chaoimh on Saturday, December 13, with over 33,500 tickets already snapped up. Get yours here<\/a>.<\/p>\n On the injury front, Jack O\u2019Donoghue failed a HIA on Saturday night and will enter the return-to-play protocols.<\/p>\n In player news, Michael Ala\u2019alatoa has joined his new team-mates at the HPC after signing from Clermont Auvergne until the end of the season.<\/p>\n Following the weekend\u2019s Energia AIL action, there have now been 118 club appearances for senior and Academy players so far this season in the AIL and Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup.<\/p>\n 19 players lined out for their clubs on Saturday.<\/p>\n Ten players featured in the brilliant Munster derby between Young Munster and Cork Constitution. Two-try Eoghan Smyth, Mark Donnelly, Michael Foy, Danny Sheahan and Dylan Hicks helped Con to a 29-26 win at Tom Clifford Park. Shay McCarthy;\u00a0 Josh Wycherley, Conor Bartley, Evan O\u2019Connell and Jake O\u2019Riordan all featured for Young Munster.<\/p>\n Se\u00e1n O\u2019Brien was a try-scorer for Nenagh Ormond with Darragh McSweeney also starting in their away defeat to St Mary\u2019s College.<\/p>\n Four players were in action for UCC as they won away to Blackrock College. Ben O\u2019Connor and Gene O\u2019Leary Kareem were both among the tries with Alex Kendellen and Se\u00e1n Edogbo also starting.<\/p>\n George Hadden and Max Clein started in the front row for Garryowen as they were narrowly beaten by Dublin University at Dooradoyle.<\/p>\n Emmet Calvey started at loosehead for Shannon as they beat Galway Corinthians on the back pitch at Thomond Park.<\/p>\n Tickets<\/p>\n Saturday, December 13<\/p>\n Champions Cup Round 2: Munster Rugby v Gloucester Rugby, SuperValu P\u00e1irc U\u00ed Chaoimh, 5.30pm;\u00a0Buy tickets here<\/a><\/p>\n Saturday, December 27<\/p>\n URC Round 7: Munster Rugby v Leinster Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.45pm;\u00a0Buy tickets here<\/a><\/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