Munster Rugby gears up for a thrilling pre-season match against Bath, featuring a 38-man squad and debut appearances.
Topics covered
Munster Rugby has officially announced a 38-man squad for their pre-season match against Bath, the reigning English Premiership champions. The match is set for Friday at Virgin Media Park, kicking off at 7 PM. Tickets are currently available for purchase.
Fans unable to attend can watch live coverage through Access Munster’s exclusive streaming service.
Key Players Making Their Debuts
Notable players making their first appearances include five Irish internationals: Tom Ahern, Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Alex Kendellen, and Michael Milne.
Ahern, Kendellen, and Milne will wear the red jersey for the first time since earning their caps for Ireland this summer, promising an exciting match for fans.
This pre-season fixture will feature an extended format, lasting 90 minutes, with breaks at 30 and 60 minutes, deviating from the traditional half-time.
Two distinct Munster line-ups have been crafted to ensure even game-time distribution, along with an additional eight players listed as replacements.
Fans will also have the opportunity to see new signings JJ Hanrahan, Dan Kelly, and Conor Ryan in their inaugural home match since joining the squad during the summer transfer window. Young prospects Conor Bartley and Academy flanker Michael Foy are poised to make their senior debuts, while veterans like Ben O’Connor, Fionn Gibbons, Gordon Wood, and Ronan Foxe will also take the field for the first time this season.
Highlighting Homegrown Talent
In a demonstration of commitment to local talent development, six players from the Munster Rugby Academy are included in the squad: Michael Foy, Ben O’Connor, Gordon Wood, Ronan Foxe, Max Clein, and Seán Edogbo. This initiative underscores Munster’s dedication to nurturing homegrown athletes capable of contributing to the team’s success.
Veteran hooker Niall Scannell will lead the team as captain, a role he previously held against Gloucester. Notably, Craig Casey will captain the second team for the first time, marking a significant milestone in his career.
New Jersey and Match Logistics
The upcoming match will also serve as a platform for unveiling Munster’s brand-new adidas home jersey, giving supporters an exclusive first look ahead of the United Rugby Championship campaign. This reveal adds another layer of anticipation as fans rally behind their team.
As the match approaches, the following line-ups have been confirmed:
Team 1: Shane Daly; Andrew Smith, Seán O’Brien, Dan Kelly, Diarmuid Kilgallen; JJ Hanrahan, Ethan Coughlan; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell (C), Oli Jager; Evan O’Connell, Tom Ahern; Ruadhán Quinn, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Team 2: Mike Haley; Ben O’Connor, Fionn Gibbons, Gordon Wood, Thaakir Abrahams; Tony Butler, Craig Casey (C); Michael Milne, Lee Barron, John Ryan; Conor Ryan, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett, Brian Gleeson.
Notable players making their first appearances include five Irish internationals: Tom Ahern, Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Alex Kendellen, and Michael Milne. Ahern, Kendellen, and Milne will wear the red jersey for the first time since earning their caps for Ireland this summer, promising an exciting match for fans.0
