Irish Rugby

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  1. What do Ulster need to progress in Champions Cup? published at 23:18 14 January

    Cormac Izuchukwu pictured during Ulster's defeat by LeicesterImage source, Inpho

    Forwards coach Jimmy Duffy says Ulster "know exactly what we need to do" as they bid to extend their interest in European competition this season.

    Despite three heavy defeats in the Investec Champions Cup pool stages, Ulster retain slim hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds ahead of Friday's home encounter with Exeter Chiefs.

    In order to reach the next stage, Ulster would need:

    • A bonus-point win over Exeter

    • For the Sharks to lose against Bordeaux and not pick up a point

    • To eliminate the 56-point difference between themselves and the Sharks

    Failing that, a draw or victory of any kind over Exeter would secure passage into the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.

    Ulster dropped into the second-tier competition last season after failing to progress in the Champions Cup, beating Montpellier in the round of 16 before a heavy quarter-final loss away to Clermont.

    "I know where we are in everything," Duffy told reporters on Tuesday.

    "It's all about those fundamentals. We go out to win every game, be smart and put ourselves in a position to win it and then we'll know what we need to do."

    While Ulster's Champions Cup defeats have come at the hands of three in-form teams - Toulouse, Bordeaux and Leicester - Exeter have also struggled in this season's competition, with three defeats leaving the Premiership side with a points difference of -113 (Ulster are on -89).

    The Chiefs have endured a difficult domestic campaign too, sitting second-from-bottom in the Premiership, but Duffy points to their recent 22-15 win over Gloucester as an example of their quality.

    "We're playing against a very experienced side who have been close in games," added Duffy.

    "[They] had a big win against Gloucester a couple of weeks ago so we know exactly what we need to do: number one, put ourselves in a position to win, minimise those errors that cost us last week and we'll chase what we need to chase."

  2. Ireland duo Sheehan and Lowe closing in on returnspublished at 15:12 14 January

    Dan Sheehan and James LoweImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Dan Sheehan (left) and James Lowe are key players for Ireland

    Ireland have received a boost on the eve of their Six Nations squad announcement with Leinster confirming that Dan Sheehan and James Lowe are nearing a return to action.

    Hooker Sheehan, 26, has not played since sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Ireland's defeat by South Africa in July.

    New Zealand-born wing Lowe, 32, has been out since Ireland's Autumn Nations Series win over Australia on 30 November with a calf problem.

    In an injury bulletin issued on Tuesday, Leinster said both players may feature in Saturday's Champions Cup match against Bath at Aviva Stadium.

    Ireland back row Will Connors is also in contention, having been sidelined since the end of November.

    Fit-again international trio Tadhg Furlong, Jack Conan and Ciaran Frawley all came through Sunday's win at La Rochelle without injury.

    Having already qualified for the last 16, Leo Cullen's side - who have won all 12 of their games this season - are looking to seal top spot in Champions Cup pool 2 when they welcome Premiership leaders Bath to Dublin on Saturday (17:30 GMT).

    Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby names his Six Nations squad on Wednesday.

  3. Ulster's McIlroy out with 'significant' knee injurypublished at 14:22 14 January

    Ethan McIlroy is helped off the pitchImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Ethan McIlroy was forced off in the first half against Leicester Tigers

    Ulster full-back Ethan McIlroy sustained a "significant" knee injury in Saturday's Investec Champions Cup defeat away to Leicester Tigers.

    McIlroy, who was making his return from injury, was forced off after 22 minutes of the game at Welford Road after pulling up hurt when catching the ball.

    Ulster said on Tuesday that the 24-year-old will visit a specialist to determine the extent of the injury.

    Wing Zac Ward will follow return-to-play protocols after being forced off with a concussion midway through the second half.

    In a boost to head coach Richie Murphy's back-three options, Michael Lowry and Stewart Moore have returned to full training ahead of Ulster's final Pool A match with Exeter Chiefs and will be assessed for selection.

    First-choice hookers Rob Herring and Tom Stewart will also be monitored ahead of the game after returning to training from injury.

    Progression in the Champions Cup is unlikely even if Ulster defeat Exeter on Friday; however, a draw or victory in Belfast would secure fifth in the pool and a place in the Challenge Cup.

    Ulster have lost all three of their European matches so far this season, to Toulouse, Bordeaux and Leicester, while Exeter are also winless in the competition.

  4. Ulster forwards O'Sullivan and Andrew extend dealspublished at 12:41 14 January

    Eric O'Sullivan and John AndrewImage source, Inpho

    Experienced Ulster forwards Eric O'Sullivan and John Andrew have signed contract extensions.

    Loosehead prop O'Sullivan has penned a new deal until 2027 while hooker Andrew has committed his future to the club until 2026.

    Dubliner O'Sullivan, 29, has made 125 appearances for the province since his debut in 2018.

    "I feel very at home here and enjoy playing with of a great group of lads," said O'Sullivan.

    "We are developing a squad for the future and I'm excited to be a part of that."

    Ballymena native Andrew, 31, said he is "very happy" to have extended for another season.

    "It's always an honour for me every chance I get to play for Ulster, and I'll be doing everything I can to contribute to the team both on and off the pitch for the rest of this season and beyond," said Andrew, who made his debut in 2015."

  5. Five Ulster players in Ireland U20 Six Nations squadpublished at 11:36 14 January

    Ulster and Ireland's Henry WalkerImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Ulster's Henry Walker is one of six returning players in the squad

    New Ireland under-20 head coach Neil Doak has included five Ulster players in his squad for the upcoming Six Nations.

    Forwards Connor Magee, Tom McAllister and Henry Walker and backs Daniel Green and Clark Logan are included in the 31-man panel.

    Doak was named under-20 boss in December, succeeding another former Ulster player Willie Faloon, who had led the team to the semi-finals of World Rugby Under-20 Championship last summer.

    Connacht back row Eanna McCarthy will captain the squad, which features six returning players: Walker, Alex Usanov, Alan Spicer, Mikey Yarr, Billy Corrigan and Will Wootton.

    "We have been working hard for a number of weeks and it's an exciting time for these young players, who have the honour of representing the wider group in the Six Nations," said Doak.

    "We, as coaches, have pushed the players over the last number of months and I have been impressed by their work-rate, commitment, and application.

    "Now our focus turns to performance and the opening game against England, which we know will be a big challenge first up."

    Having relinquished their title to England last year, Ireland host the holders in the opening round on 30 January. Ireland then travel to Wales and Scotland and host France before the final game away to Italy.

    Ireland Under-20 squad

    Forwards (17): Billy Bohan (Corinthians RFC/Connacht Rugby), Billy Corrigan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Michael Foy (UCC RFC/Munster Rugby), Conor Kennelly (Highfield RFC/Munster Rugby), Connor Magee (Banbridge RFC/Ulster Rugby), Tom McAllister (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster Rugby), Eanna McCarthy (Galwegians RFC/Connacht Rugby), Alex Mullan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Aaron O'Brien (St Mary's College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Bobby Power (Galwegians RFC/Connacht Rugby), Mahon Ronan (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Alan Spicer (UCD RFC/Leinster Rugby), Alex Usanov (Clontarf RFC/Leinster Rugby), Henry Walker (Queen's University Belfast RFC/Ulster Rugby), David Walsh (Terenure College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Adam Watchorn (Kilkenny College/Leinster Rugby), Mikey Yarr (UCD RFC/Leinster Rugby).

    Backs (14): Andrew Doyle (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Connor Fahy (Clontarf FC/Leinster Rugby), Paidi Farrell (Old Wesley RFC/Leinster Rugby), Daniel Green (Queen's University RFC/Ulster Rugby), Dylan Hicks (Garryowen FC/Munster Rugby), Gene O'Leary Kareem (UCC FC/Munster Rugby), Clark Logan (Queen's University Belfast RFC/Ulster Rugby), Ciaran Mangan (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Derry Moloney (Blackrock College RFC/Leinster Rugby), Charlie Molony (UCD RFC/Leinster Rugby), Andre Ryan (Old Belvedere RFC/Leinster Rugby), Eoghan Smyth (Cork Constitution FC/Munster Rugby), Sam Wisniewski (Old Belvedere/Leinster Rugby), Will Wootton (Sale Sharks/IQ Rugby).

    Ireland U20 Six Nations fixtures

    All times GMT

    Thursday, 30 January: Ireland v England, Virgin Media Park, 19:45

    Saturday, 8 February: Scotland v Ireland, Hive Stadium, 19:45

    Friday, 21 February: Wales v Ireland, Rodney Parade, 19:45

    Friday, 7 March: Ireland v France, Virgin Media Park, 20:00

    Friday, 14 March: Italy v Ireland, Stadio Comunale di Monigo, 19:45

  6. O'Mahony could return for Munster at Northamptonpublished at 18:17 13 January

    Peter O'MahonyImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony has been sidelined with a calf injury

    Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony will be monitored for selection before Munster's final European Pool match as he continues his recovery from a calf injury.

    Munster travel to Northampton Saints, who have already qualified, in the final round of Pool Three fixtures in the Investec Champions Cup.

    The Irish province say O'Mahony, 35, will "increase his training load" and a decision on his availability will be made "later in the week".

    The potential return of O'Mahony will be a boost to Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby, who names his Six Nations squad on Wednesday.

    However, Munster will be without wing Shane Daly, who is following return to play protocols after failing a head injury assessment during Saturday's win over Saracens.

    Scrum-half Conor Murray, back row Jack O'Donoghue and hooker Diarmuid Barron are all available for selection after returning to action in the 17-12 win over the English side, which put Munster into second place in the Pool.

    Wing Diarmuid Kilgallen has also returned to full training following a wrist injury and prop Mark Donnelly has recovered from an ankle injury sustained on Emerging Ireland duty in September.

    Victory over Northampton would secure a place in the knock-out stages and a home last-16 tie.

  7. Murphy hat-trick as rampant Connacht seal top spotpublished at 23:00 11 January

    Ben Murphy scores Connacht's fourth tryImage source, Inpho

    Challenge Cup pool 1

    Connacht (27) 52

    Tries: B Murphy 3, Jansen, Bealham, J Murphy, Aungier, Tierney-Martin, Hurley-Langton Pen: Ioane Cons: Ioane 2

    Lyon (10) 24

    Tries: Matavesi, Regard, Marchand Pen: Page-Relo Cons: Page-Relo, Meliande 2

    Ben Murphy scored a hat-trick as Connacht hammered Lyon in the Challenge Cup to secure top spot in pool 1 with a game to spare.

    Scrum-half Murphy, who signed a contract extension earlier this week, bagged two tries before half-time with Sean Jansen and Finlay Bealham scores sealing the bonus point before the break.

    Murphy, who faced his father and brother in Connacht's defeat by Ulster over the festive period, has now scored seven tries in 10 games since joining the Westerners from Leinster last summer.

    Lyon's Fijian hooker Sam Matavesi crossed in the first half but Connacht pulled further clear early in the second half with Josh Murphy scoring before his namesake completed his treble.

    Thibaut Regard and Guillaume Marchand were also on target for the Top 14 side in the second half but Jack Aungier, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Shamus Hurley-Langton ensured a Connacht rout in Galway.

    It was a much-needed boost for Connacht in their first outing since Ireland wing Mack Hansen's three-match ban for criticising match officials in last month's United Rugby Championship loss to Leinster.

    Connacht, who have taken a maximum 15 points in this season's competition, travel to Cardiff in the final round of pool games on Friday (20:00 GMT) knowing that a home tie in the last-16 is already sealed.

    Connacht: S Cordero; C Mullins, P O'Conor, B Aki, S Jennings; J Ioane, B Murphy; P Dooley, D Heffernan, F Bealham; O Dowling, J Joyce; C Prendergast (capt), S Hurley-Langton, S Jansen.

    Replacements: Duggan, Tierney-Martin, Aungier, J Murphy, P Boyle, C Forde, D Hawkshaw, C Blade.

    Lyon: A Tchaptchet; S Radradra, J Maraku, T Regard, V Rattez; F Smith, M Page-Relo; H Kaabeche, S Matavesi, I Aptsiauri; F Lambey (capt), T Lavanini; S Blanc-Mappaz, M Okuya, M Gouzou.

    Replacements: Ainsley, Marchand, Pakihivatau, Geraci, PS Pacheco, Parisien, Meliande, Cassang.

  8. Bassett shines as Leicester beat Ulster to qualifypublished at 22:28 11 January

    Mantej Mann
    BBC Sport journalist

    Josh Bassett celebrates scoring a tryImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Josh Bassett completed his hat-trick on the hour mark at Welford Road

    Investec Champions Cup Pool 1

    Leicester Tigers: (12) 38

    Try: Bassett 3, Hassell-Collins 2, Perese Con: Pollard 2, Steward, Shillcock

    Ulster: (10) 10

    Try: Timoney Con: Doak Pen: Doak

    Josh Bassett scored a hat-trick as Leicester Tigers recovered from a sloppy start to beat Ulster and secure qualification for the knockout stage of the Investec Champions Cup.

    Ulster arrived at Welford Road without a point from their opening two games in Pool 1 but scored a surprise first try through Nick Timoney.

    Leicester seemed undercooked in the freezing East Midlands conditions but Bassett opened his account with a fine finish out wide.

    Nathan Doak's early penalty meant Ulster led as the clock ticked into the red at the end of the first half but the hosts still had time to nudge in front at the break after running another backs move for Bassett to double his tally.

    An infuriated Michael Cheika was seen lambasting his players during the interval and Leicester were much improved after the break following their head coach's stern words.

    Watching Bassett cross twice inspired fellow Tigers wing Ollie Hassell-Collins to join the act with two tries of his own as the hosts wrapped up the bonus point.

    Bassett found more space close to the touchline to run clear for his third before Izaia Perese also crossed to add further gloss to the scoreline.

    Tigers remain third with a final pool game at champions Toulouse to come next Sunday, while Ulster will need to beat Exeter with a bonus point and hope Sharks leave Bordeaux-Begles empty-handed to qualify.

    Leicester warm up to the challenge

    Leicester cruised past an under-strength Sharks side in their last Champions Cup outing but lacked the same fluency in the opening exchanges against Ulster.

    Doak's penalty handed the Irish province the lead before Timoney was the beneficiary of a fortuitous bounce from a clearance kick which beat two covering Leicester defenders.

    The hosts are trying to employ more width in their attacks but struggled for accuracy, though their intent eventually paid dividends when Bassett was fed wide for a clinical finish cutting back against the traffic.

    The winger crossed by a similar method in the same corner to hand Tigers the lead at the break, and Cheika's side let the handbrake off in the second half.

    Leicester made inroads with the pack before whipping the ball wide again for Hassell-Collins to score, before the winger doubled his tally soon after following some neat hands despite the bitter cold.

    Bassett was not to be outdone by his wing partner and latched on to his own kick through for the hat-trick as the youthful Ulster backline failed to clear the danger, before Perese skipped through close to the same touchline for the final flurry.

    Line-ups

    Leicester Tigers: Steward; Bassett; Perese, Kata; Hassell-Collins; Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya (capt), Heyes; Henderson, Holloway; Carnduff, Reffell, Cracknell.

    Replacements: Clare, Whitcombe, Cole, Wells, Ilione, Youngs, Shillcock, Woodward.

    Ulster: McIlroy; Kok; Carson, Postlewaite; Ward; Morgan, Doak; Warwick, Andrew, Wilson; Henderson (capt), Izuchukwu; McNabney, Timoney, McCann.

    Replacements: McCormick, O'Sullivan, Barrett, Treadwell, Sheridan, Cooney, Murphy, Telfer.

    Referee: Craig Evans (Wal)

  9. Six-try Clovers beat Edinburgh in Celtic Challengepublished at 21:17 11 January

    Clovers players celebrate a try Image source, Inpho

    Clovers moved level with Irish rivals Wolfhounds at the top of the Celtic Challenge table with a comprehensive 40-19 victory over Edinburgh in Cork.

    Amee-Leigh Costigan, Beth Buttimer, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Enya Breen, Jemima Adams Verling and Chisom Ugwueru all crossed as Clovers secured their third bonus-point win to keep pace with Wolfhounds, who thrashed Brython Thunder earlier on Saturday.

    Denis Fogarty's side led 21-5 at half-time thanks to fine tries from Amee-Leigh Costigan and Nic a Bhaird either side of Buttimer's maul score, with Hannah Walker crossing for the visitors.

    After the break, Clovers captain Enya Breen, Jemima Adams Verling, and replacement Chisom Ugwueru all struck to put the game well beyond Edinburgh's reach.

    The Scots, however, rallied late on through Lauryn Walter and Cieron Bell.

    Clovers are next in action against Glasgow on 25 January.

    Clovers: Aoife Corey; Amee-Leigh Costigan, Anna McGann, Enya Breen (capt), Maabh Deely; Nicole Fowley, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Sadhbh McGrath, Ruth Campbell, Jane Neill, Jemima Adams Verling, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Ivana Kiripati.

    Replacements: Emily Gavin, Grainne Burke, Sophie Barrett, Jane Clohessy, Shirley Bailey, Grainne Moran, Caitriona Finn, Chisom Ugwueru.

    Edinburgh: Lucia Scott; Cieron Bell, Giselle Chicot, Lucy MacRae, Hannah Walker; Hannah Ramsay, Rhea Clarke; Alison Wilson, Aila Ronald, Hannah McMahon, Adelle Ferrie, Natasha Logan, Charlotte Fosbeary, Alex Stewart (capt), Samaanther Taganekurukuru.

    Replacements: Kaylee Fraser, Talei Tawake, Megan Riach, Lucy Christie, Lauryn Walter, Pip Benson, Sarah Denholm, Nicole Marlow.

    Referee: Shane Tuohy (IRFU)

  10. Barrett replaces injured O'Brien for Leinster against La Rochellepublished at 11:08 11 January

    Jordie BarrettImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Barrett starts at full-back for Leinster at the Stade Marcel Deflandre

    Jordie Barrett has been drafted into Leinster's team to face La Rochelle in the Investec Champions Cup on Sunday after an injury to Tommy O'Brien.

    O'Brien picked up an injury in Friday's captain's run and will not travel to France for the game at the Bristol Bears in December.

    The change has forced Leo Cullen into a backline reshuffle with New Zealand international Barrett starting at full-back.

    Jimmy O'Brien will move to the right wing and Jamie Osborne will shift to left wing.

    Ciaran Frawley has taken Barrett's place amongst the replacements and is in line for his first appearance since he was withdrawn at half-time with a back injury against Bristol Bears in December.

    Leinster, who last won the European title in 2018, are unbeaten in this season's Champions Cup and in the United Rugby Championship.

    Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle have also won both of their European matches with Bath and Bristol to top Pool 2 on points difference ahead of Leinster.

    La Rochelle: Dulin; Nowell; Seuteni, Favre; Leyds; Hastoy, Kerr-Barlow; Wardi, Lespiaucq, Atonio; Lavault, Douglas; Boudehent, Jegou, Alldritt (capt).

    Replacements: Clavier, Nail, Garnier, Marchais, Boichot, Kamoto, Thomas, Obiang Hguema.

    Leinster: Barrett; J O'Brien; Ringrose, Henshaw; J Osbourne; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Healy, Kelleher, Furlong; J McCarthy, Ryan; Baird, van der Flier, Doris (capt).

    Replacements: G McCarthy, Porter, Silmani, Snyman, Conan, McGrath, Byrne, Frawley.

  11. Mullins replaces banned Hansen for Connachtpublished at 16:32 10 January

    Chay Mullins in action against Perpignan last monthImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Chay Mullins signed his first professional deal for Connacht last May before representing Ireland Sevens at the Paris Olympics

    Ireland Sevens Olympian Chay Mullins replaces the suspended wing Mack Hansen in a much-changed Connacht side to face Lyon in the European Challenge Cup in Galway on Saturday.

    Mullins is among four changes in personnel in the backs with coach Pete Wilkins also making positional switches from the home defeat by Ulster in the United Rugby Championship.

    Josh Ioane and Ben Murphy take over from Jack Carty and Caolin Blade in the half-backs with Shane Jennings drafted in at wing.

    Argentina's Santiago Cordero switches from wing to full-back with Piers O'Connor moving to centre alongside Bundee Aki as Cathal Forde drops to a replacements bench which includes Blade.

    Ireland prop Finlay Bealham and flankers Cian Prendergast and Shamus Hurley-Langton are the only forwards retained from the Ulster defeat.

    Peter Dooley and Dave Heffernan are drafted into the front row with Oisin Dowling and Joe Joyce forming a new lock partnership and Sean Jansen taking over from Paul Boyle at number eight.

    Boyle, hooker Dylan Tierney-Martin and second row Josh Murphy drop to the bench with Denis Buckley and Niall Murray not named in the matchday squad after starting against Ulster.

    The contest is a battle between the top two sides in Pool 1 with Connacht leading the table by one point after opening bonus-point wins over Zebre and Perpignan.

    Connacht: Cordero; Mullins, O'Conor, Aki, Jennings; Ioane, Murphy; Dooley, Heffernan, Bealham; Dowling, Joyce; Prendergast (capt), Hurley-Langton, Jansen

    Replacements: Tierney-Martin, Duggan, Aungier, Murphy, Boyle, Blade, Forde, Hawkshaw

  12. Furlong returns for Leinster against La Rochellepublished at 14:42 10 January

    Tadhg FurlongImage source, Inpho
    Image caption,

    Tadhg Furlong last featured for Leinster in October because of a hamstring injury

    Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong will make his first appearance for Leinster since October in Sunday's Investec Champions Cup game with La Rochelle.

    Furlong, who missed Ireland's autumn internationals with a hamstring injury, will make his 150th appearance for Leinster, a landmark that will also be reached by scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park.

    Leinster, who last won the European title in 2018, are unbeaten in this season's Champions Cup and in the United Rugby Championship.

    Ronan O'Gara's La Rochelle have also won both of their European matches with Bath and Bristol to top Pool 2 on points difference ahead of Leinster.

    La Rochelle, who defeated Leinster in the 2022 and 2023 finals, are missing experienced forward Will Skelton though injury as O'Gara names a 7-1 split on the bench.

    Leinster have made just one change to their back line from December's win over Munster as Gibson-Park comes in for Luke McGrath at number nine.

    Furlong and Cian Healy join Ronan Kelleher in an all-Ireland front row while Caelan Doris captains the team from number eight.

    La Rochelle: Dulin; Nowell; Seuteni, Favre; Leyds; Hastoy, Kerr-Barlow; Wardi, Lespiaucq, Atonio; Lavault, Douglas; Boudehent, Jegou, Alldritt (capt).

    Replacements: Clavier, Nail, Garnier, Marchais, Boichot, Kamoto, Thomas, Obiang Hguema.

    Leinster: J Osborne; T O'Brien; Ringrose, Henshaw; J O'Brien; Prendergast, Gibson-Park; Healy, Kelleher, Furlong; J McCarthy, Ryan; Baird, van der Flier, Doris (capt).

    Replacements: G McCarthy, Porter, Silmani, Snyman, Conan, McGrath, Byrne, Barrett.

  13. Munster's O'Mahony out as Saracens make two changespublished at 13:57 10 January

    Munster's Peter O'Mahony and Saracens wing Liam WilliamsImage source, Inpho & Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Peter O'Mahony (left) has not played for Munster in a month while Liam Williams (right) returns for Saracens

    Munster's Peter O'Mahony has been ruled out while Saracens have recalled Liam Williams and Phil Brantingham for Saturday's Investec Champions Cup pool match at Thomond Park (17:30 GMT).

    Jack Crowley, Conor Murray and Jack O'Donoghue all return for the hosts, but former club captain O'Mahony misses out having failed to recover from the calf contusion that has kept him out for a month.

    For Saracens, who beat Bristol in the Premiership last week, Brantingham starts at loosehead prop in place of Rhys Carre, who has a back injury.

    Wales international Williams, who scored in Saracens' win over Stade Francais in December, replaces Rotimi Segun on the right wing.

    Saracens captain Maro Itoje will make his 50th Champions Cup appearance with Harry Wilson set for his full debut in the competition.

    England hooker Theo Dan is named among the replacements having recovered from a calf issue while Max Eke and Nathan Michelow could make their Champions Cup debuts from the bench.

    Saracens have won both of their pool games so far while Munster lost to Castres last time out having beaten Stade Francais in their opener. The Irish province lost to Leinster in their last game on 27 December.

    Munster: M Haley; C Nash, T Farrell, R Scannell, S Daly; J Crowley, C Murray; D Bleuler, N Scannell, O Jager; F Wycherley, T Beirne (capt); J O'Donoghue, A Kendellen, G Coombes.

    Replacements: D Barron, J Ryan, S Archer, T Ahern, J Hodnett, P Patterson, B Burns, B Gleeson.

    Saracens: E Daly; L Williams, A Lozowski, N Tompkins, L Cinti; F Burke, I van Zyl; P Brantingham, J George, M Riccioni; M Itoje (capt), H Wilson; JM Gonzalez, B Earl, T Willis.

    Replacements: T Dan, E Mawi, A Clarey, M Eke, N Michelow, G Simpson, O Hartley, T Elliott.

  14. Wolfhounds and Clovers name teams for latest Celtic Challenge gamespublished at 12:01 10 January

    Amee Leigh Costigan with the ball for the Clovers and Jade Gaffney pictured in a training sessionImage source, Inpho

    The Wolfhounds and Clovers have named their teams for this weekend's Celtic Challenge games.

    The Wolfhounds travel to Wales to Brython Thunder on Saturday (12:00) in a game that can be watched live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website before Clovers host Edinburgh in Cork (15:00).

    Clovers head coach Denis Fogarty has made three changes from last week's bonus-point win over Gwalia Lightning in Belfast, with Amee Leigh Costigan, Jemina Adams Verling and Aoife Corey named to start. Maebh Deely switches from full-back to the left wing.

    Wolfhounds boss Neill Alcorn makes two changes from last week's bonus-point victory over Glasgow Warriors with wing Ella Roberts and scrum-half Jade Gaffney coming into the side.

    Edinburgh and the two Irish sides are level on 10 points with the Scots topping the table on points difference. The Wolfhounds and Clovers have both won two of their three games while Edinburgh have secured two victories from two.

    Clovers team v Edinburgh: Aoife Corey; Amee Leigh Costigan, Anna McGann, Enya Breen (capt), Meabh Deely; Nicole Fowley, Emily Lane; Siobhan McCarthy, Beth Buttimer, Sadhbh McGrath; Ruth Campbell, Jane Neill; Jemima Adams Verling, Deirbhile Nic a Bhaird, Ivana Kiripati.

    Replacements: Emily Gavin, Grainne Burke, Sophie Barrett, Jane Clohessy, Shirley Bailey, Grainne Moran, Caitriona Finn, Chisom Ugwueru.

    Wolfhounds team v Brython Thunder: Stacey Flood; Ella Roberts, Aoife Dalton, Eve Higgins, Amy Larn; Dannah O'Brien, Jade Gaffney; Niamh O'Dowd, Maebh Clenaghan, Linda Djougang, Alma Atagamen, Cliodhna Ni Chonchobhair; Molly Boyne, Claire Boles (capt), Erin King.

    Replacements: Kelly Burke, Tricia Doyle, Christy Haney, Ciara Short, Caoimhe Molloy, Rachael McIlroy, Leah Tarpey, Katie Heffernan.