Tadhg Beirne returns as Munster make six changes for Champions Cup match against Castres

Brian Gleeson will start for the first time in the Champions Cup

Munster's Tadhg Beirne. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho
Munster's Tadhg Beirne. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho

Munster have made six changes to the starting XV to play Castres Olympique in the Champions Cup at Stade Pierre-Fabre on Friday (KO 8pm Irish time).

Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, captain Tadhg Beirne, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson and Mike Haley all come into the side from the team which lined out against Stade Français.

Gleeson, who will be making his 11th appearance for Munster and his first of the season, starts his first match in the Champions Cup.

Scannell and Archer both come into the frontrow where they will be joined by Dian Bleuler. Fineen Wycherley starts again in the secondrow with Beirne coming in to start after his appearance from the bench last weekend.

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Peter O’Mahony retains his place at blindside flanker with both Hodnett and Gleeson coming into the side to complete the backrow.

There is just one change to the backline with Mike Haley coming in to start at fullback with Calvin Nash and Thaakir Abrahams on the wings.

The centres remain unchanged with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continuing their partnership while Craig Casey and Jack Crowley are the halfback pairing once again.

Among the replacements, Dave Kilcoyne returns from a long-term injury to take his place on the bench alongside Oli Jager whose last match was against the Ospreys at the beginning of October. The duo are joined by Diarmuid Barron to form the frontrow replacements.

Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen and Jack O’Donoghue complete the forward cover with Paddy Patterson and Rory Scannell providing the backs cover.

Munster: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Dave Kilcoyne, Oli Jager, Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Paddy Patterson, Rory Scannell, Jack O’Donoghue.