URC teams: Conway and Addison make returns

Andrew Conway will play his first competitive game for almost 18 months when Munster kick their BKT United Rugby Championship season off against the Sharks on Saturday (5.15pm).

The Ireland international hasn't played since May 2022 due to a long-term knee injury, but starts on the right wing for the defending champions in their season opener at Thomond Park.

Six of the side are retained from the URC final win against the Stormers in May, including Calvin Nash who starts on the left wing, and Shane Daly who switched to full-back.

Scrum-half Ethan Coughlan makes his first start for the province, and the Clareman partners Joey Carbery behind the scrum.

Antoine Frische continues at outside centre, with Rory Scannell joining him in midfield.

Up front, there's a 50th appearance for loosehead Josh Wycherley, who joins Stephen Archer and Diarmuid Barron in the front row.

Edwin Edogbo and Fineen Wycherley pack down in the second row, while Gavin Coombes starts at number eight, in between captain Jack O'Donoghue and Alex Kendellen.

There are several potential debuts off the bench for Graham Rowntree's side, with academy trio Kieran Ryan, Brian Gleeson and Shay McCarthy included.

Gleeson starred for the Ireland U20 side who reached the Junior World Championship final in the summer, and scored two tries in the recent friendly win against the Barbarians.

New signing Alex Nankivell also comes in to join the replacements, while Scott Buckley, Tom Ahern, Neil Cronin and the returning John Ryan selected.

Munster: Shane Daly; Andrew Conway, Antoine Frisch, Rory Scannell, Calvin Nash; Joey Carbery, Ethan Coughlan; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O'Donoghue (C), Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.

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