Casey and Loughman in Munster squad for Zebre clash

Ireland internationals Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman have been named in the Munster squad for their BKT URC clash with Zebre tomorrow evening (7.35pm).

Scrum-half Casey started against Italy in round two of the Guinness Six Nations and prop Loughman came on as a replacement in the 36-0 win but neither featured against Wales last weekend.

Casey and Ireland training panellist Tom Ahern will start the game at Cork's Virgin Media Park with Loughman among the replacements for the visit of the Italian side, who are 13th in the table.

Graham Rowntree includes four academy players with Tony Butler and Ruadhán Quinn starting, and Ethan Coughlan and Ben O’Connor, who returns from the Ireland U20s, on the bench.

Alex Kendellen captains the team with four changes to the side that beat Scarlets earlier this month.

There is a new half-back pairing of Butler and Casey as Josh Wycherley and John Ryan come into the front row.

Academy out-half Butler, who will move up to the senior squad on a two-year contract next season, and back-row forward Quinn both make their third starts for the province, who could move from ninth to fourth in the table should they claim a bonus-point win.

Mike Haley makes his 99th start for Munster at full-back with Seán O’Brien and Shane Daly on either wing.

Alex Nankivell and Antoine Frisch continue their centre partnership with Casey and Butler at 9 and 10.

Wycherley, Niall Scannell and Ryan pack down in the front row with Ahern and RG Snyman in the engine room.

Quinn, Kendellen and Gavin Coombes complete the side.

Eoghan Clarke, Loughman and Stephen Archer provide the front row back-up with Fineen Wycherley and Jack O’Sullivan completing the forward cover.

Coughlan, Rory Scannell and O’Connor are the backline