Munster Rugby have named their team for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup clash with Castres Olympique at Thomond Park. Kick-off is at 5.30 pm.

Captain Tadhg Beirne will make his 100th appearance for Munster. He will lead the team in this crucial encounter.

There are three changes from last weekend’s team that lost narrowly in Toulon. Thaakir Abrahams, Niall Scannell, and Jean Kleyn come into the starting XV.

The back three will feature Shane Daly, Thaakir Abrahams, and Academy graduate Ben O’Connor. Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell continue their centre partnership. Half-back Craig Casey has recovered from a shoulder injury and starts alongside Jack Crowley.

The front row includes Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, and Michael Ala’alatoa. Jean Kleyn and Fineen Wycherley make up the engine room. The back row remains unchanged with Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue, and Gavin Coombes.

Replacements feature Lee Barron, Michael Milne, and Oli Jager in the front row. Jager returns to the squad for the first time since October following a head injury. Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson provide extra forward cover. Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, and Dan Kelly are backline replacements.

Munster Rugby Starting XV:
Shane Daly; Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Ben O’Connor; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Niall Scannell, Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.

Replacements:
Lee Barron, Michael Milne, Oli Jager, Edwin Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ethan Coughlan, JJ Hanrahan, Dan Kelly.

Unavailable for selection:

• Alex Kendellen (ankle) – return in 3–5 weeks

• John Hodnett (thumb) – return in the coming weeks

• Seán O’Brien (shoulder) – return in 3–5 weeks

• Tom Ahern (neck) – return in the coming weeks

• Calvin Nash (head/shoulder) – return in the coming weeks

Munster will aim to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat and secure a vital win at Thomond Park.