John Hodnett returns, but Alex Nankivell misses out for Munster

Munster will be without Alex Nankivell for Friday's BKT United Rugby Championship trip to the Ospreys, but John Hodnett and Jack O'Donoghue will make timely returns from injury.

Nankivell misses out due to a concussion suffered in training last week, with Rory Scannell taking his place in the backline, one of three changes from the recent win over Zebre.

Scannell partners Antoine Frisch in the centre, with Joey Carbery also returning to the starting side at out-half, replacing Tony Butler.

Craig Casey goes straight back into the team following Ireland's Six Nations celebrations, starting at scrum-half.

The back three is unchanged, with Séan O'Brien and Shane Daly on the wings, and Milke Haley at full-back.

The only change to the pack sees flanker Hodnett return from a finger injury which has kept him sidelined since January.

He replaces Ruadán Quinn who goes to the bench, with captain Alex Kendellen and Gavin Coombes starting in the back row.

Tom Ahern and RG Snyman's second row partnership is retained, while Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell and John Ryan go again in the front row.

Ireand international Jeremy Loughman is included on the bench, as is Jack O'Donoghue, who has recovered sooner than expected following a knee injury.

Munster: Mike Haley; Seán O'Brien, Antoine Frisch, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Joey Carbery, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Tom Ahern, RG Snyman; John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen (capt), Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Eoghan Clarke, Jeremy Loughman, Stephen Archer, Jack O’Donoghue, Ruadhán Quinn, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Shay McCarthy.

Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch France v Ireland in the Women's Six Nations on