Kevin O’Byrne to make European debut for Munster

Johann van Graan has made two changes for the clash with Leicester at Welford Road

Kevin O’Byrne will make his European debut for Munster in their Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers. Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Kevin O’Byrne will make his European debut for Munster in their Champions Cup clash with Leicester Tigers. Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho

Kevin O'Byrne will make his first European start for Munster when they take on Leicester Tigers in Champions Cup Pool Four on Sunday (kick off: 5.30pm – live on BT Sport).

The hooker comes into the side for the clash at Welford Road alongside Darren Sweetnam as both Andrew Conway and Rhys Marshall continue to follow return to play protocols as a result of knocks picked up in last Saturday's 33-10 win at Thomond Park.

Aside from those two replacements it’s the same Munster team once again as they look to increase their lead at the top of the pool.

On the bench Keith Earls and Niall Scannell return to the matchday squad after recovering from respective hamstring and thumb injuries while Billy Holland continues in the second row for what will be his 16th Champions Cup game in a row.

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MUNSTER: Simon Zebo; Darren Sweetnam, Sammy Arnold, Rory Scannell, Alex Wootton; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Kevin O'Byrne, Stephen Archer; Jean Kleyn, Billy Holland; Peter O'Mahony (c), Chris Cloete, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Brian Scott, John Ryan, Darren O'Shea, Jack O'Donoghue, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Keith Earls.