Stuart McCloskey key to the cohesion as Ulster start brightly
Ulster were the big winners from the opening round of URC action.
Paddy Patterson Sport News
Munster and Leinster name teams for Stephen's Day showdown
Simon Zebo, Dave Kilcoyne and Oli Jager will all start for Munster in the URC Interpro derby against Leinster on St Stephen's Day (7.35pm, live on RTÉ2/Player). There are four personnel changes altogether and one positional switch to the side beaten 32-24 by Exeter Chiefs last week. Tighthead prop Jager makes his first start for Munster on his third appearance for the province and Dave Kilcoyne joins Jager in the front row on his first start of the campaign. Hooker Diarmuid Barron captains the side and packs down with Kilcoyne and Jager in the front row. Simon Zebo comes into the side at full-back for his second appearance of the season with Shane Daly moving to the left wing. Calvin Nash keeps his place on the right wing with the centre and half-back partnerships unchanged. Scrum-half Craig Casey and out-half Jack Crowley start together once again with Alex Nankivell and Antoine Frisch in midfield.
Diarmuid Barron, Jeremy Loughman and Paddy Patterson agree new Munster deals
Munster have confirmed that hooker Diarmuid Barron, prop Jeremy Loughman and scrum-half Paddy Patterson have all signed contract extensions with the province.
URC teams: Nash in for Munster, O'Toole back for Ulster
Munster have made two changes for their Round 2 clash with Benetton in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Sunday (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).
Mike Haley and Roman Salanoa give Munster double injury blow
BKT United Rugby champions Munster have been hit with a double injury blow ahead of their first pre-season game of the new campaign.
Murray among Munster quartet out of Leinster showdown
Munster quartet Malakai Fekitoa, Conor Murray, RG Snyman and Calvin Nash are all out of Saturday's United Rugby Championship semi-final against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium due to head injuries.
Fit-again Bok lock Snyman in Munster's squad for two-game SA tour
Springbok lock RG Snyman features in Munster's 31-man travelling squad that departed for South Africa ahead of the two final URC rounds of the regular season.
Keith Earls among travelling Munster party for South Africa trek
Ireland internationals Keith Earls and Jeremy Loughman are among the 31-man Munster squad for their double-header in South Africa.
Snyman and Crowley start for Munster against Sharks
RG Snyman makes his first start for Munster since his debut in August 2020 Saturday's Champions Cup round of 16 clash against Sharks, while Jack Crowley has been given the nod ahead of Joey Carbery.