Investec Champions Cup: Northampton captain Lewis Ludlam returns to start as Saints welcome Munster

Lewis Ludlam was part of England's recent World Cup squad

Northampton Saints captain Lewis Ludlam will return to start in his side's Investec Champions Cup last-16 tie against Munster on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who is set to join Toulon at the end of the season, appeared off the bench in last Friday's victory over Saracens.

The flanker is one of two changes from that victory, with number eight Sam Graham coming in to start.

Scrum-half Alex Mitchell is also set to make his return after the Six Nations.

Mitchell, who started four out of England's five games, has not played for Northampton since Steve Borthwick's side's defeat by France in their final Six Nations game and is named on the bench.

Scrum-half Tom James impressed against Saracens and retains his place ahead of Mitchell.

However, regular full-back George Furbank remains out injured, as James Ramm continues in the back three following his two tries against Saracens.

Phil Dowson's side secured a dramatic 26-23 victory at Thomond Park against Munster during the pool stages, playing the entire second half with 14 players after Curtis Langdon's red card.

That result ensured a perfect four wins from four in this season's Champions Cup.

Munster make two late changes to their side; Springbok lock RG Snyman has failed to recover from illness meaning Tom Ahern starts alongside captain Tadhg Beirne.

Winger Shane Daly picked up a knock in training on Friday and is replaced by Sean O'Brien. Both Jack O'Donoghue and Shay McCarthy are promoted to the bench.

Prop Jeremy Loughman also starts on his 100th Munster appearance, with Simon Zebo returning on the wing.

Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley continues his half-back partnership alongside Craig Casey, but there is no place for fellow Six Nations-winner Calvin Nash, who is out with a leg injury.

Munster struggled in the pool stages and only managed one win in their final game away at Toulon to qualify for the last-16.

The winners will face South African side Bulls or Lyon in the quarter-finals.

Line-ups

Northampton: Ramm; Freeman, Dingwall, Odendaal, Sleightholme; Smith, James; Iyogun, Langdon, Davison, Moon, Coles, Lawes, Ludlam (capt), Graham.

Replacements: Matavesi, Waller, Hill, Mayanavanua, Scott-Young, Augustus, Mitchell, Hendy.

Munster: Haley; Zebo, Frisch, Nankivell, O'Brien; Crowley, Casey; Loughman, Scannell, Archer, Beirne (capt), Ahern, O'Mahony, Hodnett, Coombes.

Replacements: Clarke, Wycherley, Ryan, O'Donoghue, Kendellen, Murray, Carbery, McCarthy.

Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)