Munster fans are set to rejoice as captain Tadhg Beirne – named in World Rugby’s Dream Team of the Year – has been announced as one of the five returning Irish internationals in the starting XV. Alongside Beirne, Tom Ahern, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell are also returning.
The returning internationals, Casey and Crowley, are paired in the half-backs. While Farrell, with Alex Nankivell, is placed as the centre partnership.
In the back three are Shane Daly, Diarmuid Kilgallen and Thaakir Abrahams. Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron and John Ryan are set in the front row, with Ahern and Fineen Wycherley. Munster’s URC five-time starter has played in all but 19 minutes of those five games – in the engine room.
Jack O’Donoghue, who was set to captain if internationals were absent, is in the back row with Beirne and Gavin Coombes. Niall Scannell, Michael Milne and Ronan Foxe provide the front row back-up. Edwin Edogbo and John Hodnett complete the forward cover.
Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler and Dan Kelly cover the backline replacement.
Kick off in Thomond Park on Saturday evening is at 5:30.
Munster Starting: Shane Daly; Diarmuid Kilgallen, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Cassey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Tom Ahern, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Michael Milne, Ronan Foxe, Edwin Edogbo, John Hodnett, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Dan Kelly.
Your Munster side to face DHL Stormers on Saturday at Thomond Park ️
Captain Tadhg Beirne is among 5 returning @IrishRugby internationals in the starting XV.
#SUAF | #MUNvSTO pic.twitter.com/uacvrIOs55
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) November 27, 2025