Diarmuid Barron ready to take to the field for Munster against Connaught

The Munster side has been named for Friday’s pre-season game against Connacht at the Sportsground (5.30pm).

Three Munster Rugby Academy players are included in the senior squad – scrum-half Ethan Coughlan and winger Shay McCarthy both start with prop Kieran Ryan among the replacements.

Shannon RFC duo Josh Costello and Stephen Kiely are also included among the replacements with former St Munchin’s College student Costello in line for his senior Munster debut.

Diarmuid Barron, Joey Carbery, Antoine Frisch all start on their first appearances of the new campaign with Niall Scannell and Tom Ahern set for their first action of the season off the bench.

Full-back Simon Zebo, McCarthy and Calvin Nash start in the back three with Rory Scannell and Frisch combining in midfield as Coughlan and Carbery form a new-look half-back partnership.

Josh Wycherley, Barron and Stephen Archer pack down in the front row with Gavin Coombes and Fineen Wycherley in the engine room.

Captain Jack O’Donoghue, John Hodnett and Alex Kendellen start in the back row.

Scannell, Kieran Ryan and John Ryan provide the front row back-up with Ahern and Jack Daly completing the forward cover.

Neil Cronin, Kiely and Costello are the backline replacements.

Munster: Simon Zebo; Shay McCarthy, Antoine Frisch, Rory Scannell, Calvin Nash; Joey Carbery, Ethan Coughlan; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Stephen Archer; Gavin Coombes, Fineen Wycherley; Jack O’Donoghue (C), John Hodnett, Alex Kendellen.

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Kieran Ryan, John Ryan, Tom Ahern, Jack Daly, Neil Cronin, Stephen Kiely, Josh Costello.