Tadhg Beirne returns in his first appearance for Munster this season against Leinster on Saturday evening. The Round 4 clash kicks off at 5.15 in Croke Park with the captain back after his spell with the British and Irish Lions in time for their first Interpro derby of the season.
Last week’s bonus point win against Edinburgh in Cork helped Munster retain their unbeaten start to the URC season. For the second game in a row, there are 10 changes to the side.
Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron and John Ryan make up the first row, and after making his first appearance for Munster since December 2023, Edwin Edogbo starts alongside Fineen Wycherley in the engine room. Captain of the side, Tadhg Beirne, Jack O’Donoghue and Brian Gleeson complete the pack.
Jack Crowley returns as out-half to face his Irish counterpart in Leinster’s Sam Prendergast. Craig Casey remains unavailable after hopes he would be able to return early, so it is Coughlan who partners up with Crowley. Daly, Smith, Abrahams and last week’s Player of the Match, Tom Farrell, complete the backline.
Tom Farrell and Diarmuid Barron react after a hard-fought victory for @Munsterrugby against Edinburgh tonight
“I’m probably relieved after that result” ️ pic.twitter.com/QwYgbHFOAn
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) October 10, 2025
Video: Premier Sports
Lee Barron, Loughman and Academy prop Ronan Foxe are providing the front row back-up for Munster with the explosive duo of Jean Kleyn and Gavin Coombes completing the forward cover. Paddy Patterson, JJ Hanrahan and Alex Nankivell are among the backline replacements.
Starting: Shane Daly; Andrew Smith, Tom Farrell, Dan Kelly, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Ethan Coughlan; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson.
Replacements: Lee Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Ronan Foxe, Jean Kleyn, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, JJ Hanrahan, Alex Nankivell.