Big names back as Munster prepare for South Africa double-header against Vodafone Bulls and the Emirates Lions

After missing recent games due to injury or illness, Shane Daly, Calvin Nash, RG Snyman, Oli Jager and Fineen Wycherley have all been included in the Munster squad for the upcoming URC ties away to the Vodafone Bulls and the Emirates Lions.

First up is the Bulls on Saturday next at 4.05pm Irish time, with the following Saturday seeing a date with the Bulls at 5.05pm.

Snyman and Daly were both named to start for Munster in their recent Investec Champions Cup clash with Northampton Saints but were withdrawn on the eve of the match. Springboks lock Snyman missed out because of illness, while winger Daly was ruled out after picking up a knock in training.

Two academy players are also making the trip - scrum-half Ethan Coughlan and prop Mark Donnelly are included in the 30-man squad, that comprises 17 forwards and 13 backs.

Munster squad

Forwards: Scott Buckley, Eoghan Clarke, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer, Mark Donnelly, Oli Jager, Jeremy Loughman, Josh Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Tadhg Beirne, RG Snyman, Fineen Wycherley, Gavin Coombes, John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen, Jack O'Donoghue, Peter O’Mahony.

Backs: Craig Casey, Ethan Coughlan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery, Jack Crowley, Antoine Frisch, Alex Nankivell, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly, Mike Haley, Calvin Nash, Sean O’Brien, Simon Zebo.

Watch a URC double-header, Emirates Lions v Leinster and Vodacom Bulls v Munster, on Saturday from 1.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Listen to updates on Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1