Munster begin their new United Rugby Championship campaign at Thomond Park on Saturday with Kieran Brookes and Ben O’Donovan handed important starting roles against Glasgow Warriors. The opening fixture offers Clayton McMillan’s side an early chance to set the tone for the season.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5.30pm, with Munster facing a Glasgow team that has won the last three meetings between the provinces. The visitors also ended Munster’s campaign in last season’s quarter-finals, adding extra edge to the first-round contest.
Brookes and O’Donovan named in Munster starting XV
Brookes will make his Munster debut at tighthead prop after joining the province during the summer. The experienced front-row forward is joined in the starting pack by Michael Milne and Diarmuid Barron, who captains the team.
Ben O’Donovan will start at scrum-half, making his first appearance in the starting side after impressing since moving into the Munster Academy in February. The 21-year-old has earned an opportunity to lead the attack alongside JJ Hanrahan.
Mike Haley, Diarmuid Kilgallen and Ben O’Connor form the back three, while Seán O’Brien and last season’s Munster Player of the Year, Alex Nankivell, link up in midfield.
The rest of the starting side includes Evan O’Connell and Fineen Wycherley in the second row, with Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes completing the pack.
Munster team to face Glasgow
- Back three: Mike Haley, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Ben O’Connor
- Centres: Alex Nankivell, Seán O’Brien
- Half-backs: JJ Hanrahan, Ben O’Donovan
- Front row: Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron, Kieran Brookes
- Second row: Evan O’Connell, Fineen Wycherley
- Back row: Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes
The replacements are Marnus van der Merwe, Josh Wycherley, Michael Ala’alatoa, Brian Gleeson, John Hodnett, Jake O’Riordan, Charlie O’Shea and Dan Kelly.
Young Academy players add interest to Munster selection
Munster’s bench includes two Academy half-backs in Jake O’Riordan and Charlie O’Shea. Both scored tries in last week’s pre-season meeting with Leicester Tigers.
O’Shea is in line for his Munster debut only weeks after joining the Academy. The UCC clubman previously played with Dolphin RFC at underage level and captained CBC to the 2025 Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup title.
O’Donovan’s selection is another significant step for a young player who has quickly made an impression. His performance at scrum-half will be closely watched as Munster look to build depth in a key position.
McMillan wants Munster to make strong home start
Head coach Clayton McMillan said the squad was eager to return to competitive action after a productive pre-season. Munster open the URC with consecutive home matches, making the Glasgow fixture an important opportunity to collect early momentum.
McMillan also highlighted the support received during community training sessions in Thurles, Newcastle West and Ballina-Killaloe. Those events allowed supporters to see the squad prepare while strengthening the connection between the province and its clubs.
“There is always an extra bit of excitement and anticipation ahead of the first game of the season,” McMillan said, adding that the players were ready to show the benefits of their pre-season work against one of the URC’s leading teams.
Shane Daly and Tom Ahern are unavailable because of injury, although McMillan confirmed both are progressing positively.
What to watch when Munster face Glasgow
The scrum will be a major early test for Brookes and the Munster pack, while O’Donovan’s control at the base will be central to the home side’s attacking rhythm. Glasgow’s recent record in this fixture gives the visitors confidence, but Thomond Park should provide Munster with a strong platform.
Munster will also hope their experienced forwards can create space for Haley, Kilgallen and O’Connor to attack from deep. With young Academy players ready to make an impact from the bench, the contest could change significantly in the closing stages.
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Munster’s first URC assignment carries both immediate importance and unfinished business. The result against Glasgow will show whether McMillan’s side can turn a promising pre-season into a confident start at Thomond Park.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
