Champions Cup
Champions Cup, Line Ups, Predictions, KO Times & TV Coverage.
We’re predicting a clean sweep for the Irish Provinces
It’s that time of year again, Heineken Champions Cup time!
It’s back this weekend and celebrating its 25th season!
We’ve taken a look at this weekend’s fixtures, the line ups & the refs and put together our predictions for the weekend!
Here are the fixtures for this weekend along with KO times what TV Channels will be covering the matches.
Weekend Line Ups & Predictions:
Gloucester Rugby v Toulouse
Date: Fri 15 November 2019 KO: 19:45
Venue: Kingsholm Stadium
GLOUCESTER RUGBY
- 15. Jason Woodward,
- 14. Tom Marshall,
- 13. Chris Harris,
- 12. Mark Atkinson,
- 11. Ollie Thorley,
- 10. Danny Cipriani,
- 9. Joe Simpson,
- 1. Val Rapava Ruskin ,
- 2. Franco Marais,
- 3. Jamal Ford-Robinson,
- 4. Freddie Clarke,
- 5. Gerbrandt Grobler,
- 6. Ruan Ackermann,
- 7. Lewis Ludlow,
- 8. Ben Morgan (c).
Replacements:
- 16. Corné Fourie,
- 17. Josh Hohneck,
- 18. Fraser Balmain,
- 19. Alex Craig,
- 20. Jake Polledri,
- 21. Callum Braley,
- 22. Billy Twelvetrees,
- 23. Matt Banahan,
TOULOUSE
- 15. Thomas Ramos,
- 14. Yoann Huget,
- 13. Sofiane Guitoune,
- 12. Romain Ntamack,
- 11. Maxime Médard,
- 10. Zack Holmes,
- 9. Sébastien Bézy,
- 1. Cyril Baille,
- 2. Julien Marchand (c),
- 3. Charlie Faumuina,
- 4. Florian Verhaeghe,
- 5. Joe Tekori,
- 6. Francois Cros,
- 7. Rynhardt Elstadt,
- 8. Jerome Kaino.
Replacements:
- 16. Peato Mauvaka,
- 17. Clément Castets,
- 18. Dorian Aldegheri,
- 19. Richie Gray,
- 20. Selevasio Tolofua,
- 21. Alban Placines,
- 22. Pierre Pages,
- 23. Lucas Tauzin,
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
AR1: Gwyn Morris (Wales)
AR2: Wayne Davies (Wales)
TMO: Ian Davies (Wales)
Broadcasters: BT Sport / beIN SPORTS
Prediction – Toulouse to win by 7.
Bath Rugby v Ulster Rugby
Date: Sat 16 November 2019 KO: 13:00
Venue: Recreation Ground
BATH RUGBY
- 15. Freddie Burns,
- 14. Semesa Rokoduguni,
- 13. Jonathan Joseph,
- 12. Jamie Roberts,
- 11. Ruaridh McConnochie,
- 10. Rhys Priestland,
- 9. Will Chudley,
- 1. Beno Obano ,
- 2. Tom Dunn,
- 3. Will Stuart,
- 4. Josh McNally,
- 5. Charlie Ewels (c),
- 6. Mike Williams,
- 7. Sam Underhill,
- 8. Zach Mercer.
Replacements:
- 16. Jack Walker ,
- 17. Lewis Boyce,
- 18. Christian Judge,
- 19. Elliott Stooke,
- 20. Josh Bayliss,
- 21. Chris Cook,
- 22. Max Wright,
- 23. Gabe Hamer-Webb,
ULSTER RUGBY
- 15. Will Addison,
- 14. Rob Lyttle,
- 13. Luke Marshall,
- 12. Stuart McCloskey,
- 11. Jacob Stockdale,
- 10. Billy Burns,
- 9. John Cooney,
- 1. Jack McGrath,
- 2. Rob Herring,
- 3. Marty Moore,
- 4. Iain Henderson (c),
- 5. Sam Carter,
- 6. Matt Rea,
- 7. Jordi Murphy,
- 8. Marcell Coetzee.
Replacements:
- 16. Adam McBurney,
- 17. Eric O’Sullivan,
- 18. Tom O’Toole,
- 19. Alan O’Connor,
- 20. Sean Reidy,
- 21. David Shanahan,
- 22. Angus Curtis,
- 23. Louis Ludik,
Referee: Marius Mitrea (Italy)
AR1: Manuel Bottino (Italy)
AR2: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
TMO: Stefano Penne (Italy)
Broadcasters: C4 / Virgin Media / BT Sport / beIN SPORTS
Prediction – Ulster to win by 9
Glasgow Warriors v Sale Sharks
Date: Sat 16 November 2019 KO: 13:00
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium
GLASGOW WARRIORS
- 15. Tommy Seymour,
- 14. Ratu Tagive,
- 13. Nick Grigg,
- 12. Samuel Johnson,
- 11. DTH van der Merwe,
- 10. Adam Hastings,
- 9. George Horne,
- 1. Oli Kebble,
- 2. Fraser Brown,
- 3. Zander Fagerson,
- 4. Robert Harley,
- 5. Scott Cummings,
- 6. Ryan Wilson,
- 7. Callum Gibbins (c),
- 8. Matt Fagerson.
Replacements:
- 16. George Turner,
- 17. Alex Allan,
- 18. D’Arcy Rae,
- 19. Tim Swinson,
- 20. Chris Fusaro,
- 21. Ali Price,
- 22. Peter Horne,
- 23. Kyle Steyn,
SALE SHARKS
- 15. Simon Hammersley,
- 14. Marland Yarde,
- 13. Cameron Redpath,
- 12. Luke James,
- 11. Byron McGuigan,
- 10. AJ MacGinty,
- 9. Embrose Papier,
- 1. Ross Harrison,
- 2. Rob Webber,
- 3. Jake Cooper-Woolley,
- 4. Bryn Evans (c),
- 5. James Phillips,
- 6. Jean-Luc du Preez,
- 7. Ben Curry,
- 8. Dan du Preez.
Replacements:
- 16. Akker van der Merwe,
- 17. Valery Morozov,
- 18. Coenie Oosthuizen,
- 19. Matthew Postlewhaite,
- 20. Jono Ross,
- 21. Will Cliff,
- 22. Robert du Preez,
- 23. Chris Ashton,
Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)
AR1: Adrien Descottes (France)
AR2: Cedric Marchat (France)
TMO: Patrick Dellac (France)
Broadcasters: BT Sport / beIN SPORTS
Prediction – Glasgow by 11
Leinster Rugby v Benetton Rugby
Date: Sat 16 November 2019 KO: 15:15
Venue: RDS Arena
LEINSTER RUGBY
- 15. Jordan Larmour,
- 14. Dave Kearney,
- 13. Garry Ringrose,
- 12. Joe Tomane,
- 11. James Lowe,
- 10. Johnny Sexton (c),
- 9. Luke McGrath,
- 1. Cian Healy,
- 2. Ronan Kelleher,
- 3. Andrew Porter,
- 4. Devin Toner,
- 5. James Ryan,
- 6. Rhys Ruddock,
- 7. Josh van der Flier,
- 8. Caelan Doris.
Replacements:
- 16. James Tracy,
- 17. Peter Dooley,
- 18. Michael Bent,
- 19. Scott Fardy,
- 20. Max Deegan,
- 21. Jamison Gibson-Park,
- 22. Ross Byrne,
- 23. Rory O’Loughlin,
BENETTON RUGBY
- 15. Jayden Hayward,
- 14. Angelo Esposito,
- 13. Nacho Brex,
- 12. Alberto Sgarbi (c),
- 11. Luca Sperandio,
- 10. Ian Keatley,
- 9. Dewaldt Duvenage,
- 1. Nicola Quaglio,
- 2. Hame Faiva,
- 3. Marco Riccioni,
- 4. Ira Herbst,
- 5. Dean Budd,
- 6. Giovanni Pettinelli,
- 7. Braam Steyn,
- 8. Nasi Manu.
Replacements:
- 16. Engjel Makelara,
- 17. Federico Zani,
- 18. Tiziano Pasquali,
- 19. Marco Fuser,
- 20. Marco Lazzaroni,
- 21. Toa Halafihi,
- 22. Tito Tebaldi,
- 23. Tommy Allan,
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
AR1: Tual Trainini (France)
AR2: Laurent Cardona (France)
TMO: Eric Briquet-Campin (France)
Broadcasters: BT Sport / beIN SPORTS / DAZN
Prediction – Leinster by 23
La Rochelle v Exeter Chiefs
Date: Sat 16 November 2019 KO: 16:15
Venue: Stade Marcel Deflandre
LA ROCHELLE
- 15. Jérémy Sinzelle,
- 14. Vincent Rattez,
- 13. Geoffrey Doumayrou,
- 12. Levani Botia,
- 11. Arthur Retiere,
- 10. Ihaia West,
- 9. Alexi Bales,
- 1. Dany Priso,
- 2. Pierre Bourgarit,
- 3. Arthur Joly,
- 4. Romain Sazy,
- 5. Mathieu Tanguy,
- 6. Grégory Alldritt,
- 7. Wiaan Liebenberg,
- 8. Victor Vito (c).
Replacements:
- 16. Facundo Bosch,
- 17. Reda Wardi,
- 18. Sila Puafisi,
- 19. Lopeti Timani,
- 20. Kevin Gourdon,
- 21. Brock James,
- 22. Marc Andreu,
- 23. Kini Murimurivalu,
EXETER CHIEFS
- 15. Stuart Hogg,
- 14. Tom O’Flaherty,
- 13. Henry Slade,
- 12. Ian Whitten,
- 11. Alex Cuthbert,
- 10. Joe Simmonds,
- 9. Nic White,
- 1. Alec Hepburn,
- 2. Jack Yeandle (c),
- 3. Harry Williams,
- 4. Dave Dennis,
- 5. Jonny Hill,
- 6. Dave Ewers,
- 7. Jacques Vermeulen,
- 8. Sam Simmonds.
Replacements:
- 16. Luke Cowan-Dickie,
- 17. Ben Moon,
- 18. Marcus Street,
- 19. Jannes Kirsten,
- 20. Don Armand,
- 21. Jack Maunder,
- 22. Gareth Steenson,
- 23. Jack Nowell,
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
AR1: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
AR2: Dave Sutherland (Scotland)
TMO: Neil Paterson (Scotland)
Broadcasters: beIN SPORTS / FR2 / BT Sport
Prediction – La Rochelle by 2
Ospreys v Munster Rugby
Date: Sat 16 November 2019 KO: 17:30
Venue: Liberty Stadium
OSPREYS
- 15. Cai Evans,
- 14. Hanno Dirksen,
- 13. Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler,
- 12. Scott Williams,
- 11. Tom Williams,
- 10. Luke Price,
- 9. Shaun Venter,
- 1. Rhodri Jones,
- 2. Scott Otten,
- 3. Ma’afu Fia ,
- 4. Marvin Orie,
- 5. Lloyd Ashley,
- 6. Dan Lydiate (c),
- 7. Olly Cracknell,
- 8. Morgan Morris.
Replacements:
- 16. Ifan Phillips,
- 17. Nicky Smith,
- 18. Gheorghe Gajion,
- 19. Bradley Davies,
- 20. Sam Cross,
- 21. Aled Davies,
- 22. James Hook,
- 23. Kieran Williams,
MUNSTER RUGBY
- 15. Mike Haley,
- 14. Andrew Conway,
- 13. Chris Farrell,
- 12. Rory Scannell,
- 11. Keith Earls,
- 10. Tyler Bleyendaal,
- 9. Conor Murray,
- 1. Jeremy Loughman,
- 2. Niall Scannell,
- 3. John Ryan,
- 4. Jean Kleyn,
- 5. Billy Holland,
- 6. Peter O’Mahony (c),
- 7. Tommy O’Donnell,
- 8. CJ Stander.
Replacements:
- 16. Kevin O’Byrne,
- 17. James Cronin,
- 18. Stephen Archer,
- 19. Tadhg Beirne,
- 20. Arno Botha,
- 21. Alby Mathewson,
- 22. Sam Arnold,
- 23. Dan Goggin,
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
AR1: Ian Tempest (England)
AR2: Paul Dix (England)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)
Broadcasters: BT Sport / beIN SPORTS
Prediction – Munster by 27
ASM Clermont Auvergne v Harlequins
Date: Sat 16 November 2019 KO: 18:30
Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin
ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE
- 15. Nick Abendanon,
- 14. Peter Betham,
- 13. Isaiah Toeava,
- 12. George Moala,
- 11. Alivereti Raka,
- 10. Camille Lopez,
- 9. Morgan Parra (c),
- 1. Etienne Falgoux,
- 2. John Ulugia,
- 3. Rabah Slimani,
- 4. Paul Jedrasiak,
- 5. Sitaleki Timani,
- 6. Peceli Yato,
- 7. Alexandre Fischer,
- 8. Fritz Lee.
Replacements:
- 16. Mike Tadjer,
- 17. Loni Uhila,
- 18. Davit Zirakashvili,
- 19. Thibault Lanen,
- 20. Clement Lanen,
- 21. Greig Laidlaw,
- 22. Jake McIntyre,
- 23. Apisai Naqalevu,
HARLEQUINS
- 15. Mike Brown,
- 14. Cadan Murley,
- 13. James Lang,
- 12. Francis Saili,
- 11. Gabriel Ibitoye,
- 10. Marcus Smith,
- 9. Danny Care,
- 1. Santiago Garcia Botta,
- 2. Scott Baldwin,
- 3. Simon Kerrod,
- 4. Glen Young,
- 5. Matt Symons,
- 6. Chris Robshaw (c),
- 7. Will Evans,
- 8. Tom Lawday.
Replacements:
- 16. Elia Elia,
- 17. Mark Lambert,
- 18. Phil Swainston,
- 19. Tex Cavubati ,
- 20. Renaldo Bothma,
- 21. Martin Landajo,
- 22. Michele Campagnaro,
- 23. Ross Chisholm,
Referee: Dan Jones (Wales)
AR1: Mike English (Wales)
AR2: Gareth Newman (Wales)
TMO: Sean Brickell (Wales)
Broadcasters: beIN SPORTS / BT Sport
Prediction – Clermont by 17
Connacht Rugby v Montpellier
Date: Sun 17 November 2019 KO: 13:00
Venue: The Sportsground
CONNACHT RUGBY
- 15. Darragh Leader,
- 14. Niyi Adeolokun,
- 13. Kyle Godwin,
- 12. Bundee Aki,
- 11. Matt Healy,
- 10. Jack Carty,
- 9. Caolin Blade,
- 1. Denis Buckley,
- 2. Tom McCartney,
- 3. Dominic Robertson-McCoy,
- 4. Cillian Gallagher,
- 5. Ultan Dillane,
- 6. Colby Fainga’a,
- 7. Jarrad Butler (c),
- 8. Paul Boyle.
Replacements:
- 16. David Heffernan,
- 17. Matthew Burke,
- 18. Conor Kenny,
- 19. Eoghan Masterson,
- 20. Robin Copeland,
- 21. Stephen Kerins,
- 22. Tom Daly,
- 23. John Porch,
MONTPELLIER
- 15. Anthony Bouthier,
- 14. Gabriel N’gandebe,
- 13. Arthur Vincent,
- 12. Jan Serfontein,
- 11. Yvan Reilhac,
- 10. Aaron Cruden,
- 9. Benoit Paillaugue (c),
- 1. Mikheil Nariashvili,
- 2. Youri Delhommel,
- 3. Mohamed Haouas,
- 4. Nico Janse van Rensburg,
- 5. Paul Willemse,
- 6. Kelian Galletier,
- 7. Yacouba Camara,
- 8. Caleb Timu.
Replacements:
- 16. Bismarck Du Plessis,
- 17. Grégory Fichten,
- 18. Jannie Du Plessis,
- 19. Fulgence Ouedraogo,
- 20. Enzo Sanga,
- 21. Julien Bardy,
- 22. Henry Immelman,
- 23. Jacques Du Plessis,
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
AR1: Hamish Smales (England)
AR2: Simon McConnell (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
Broadcasters: BT Sport / beIN SPORTS
Prediction – Connacht by 5
Northampton Saints v Lyon
Date: Sun 17 November 2019 KO: 13:00
Venue: Franklin’s Gardens
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
- 15. George Furbank,
- 14. Tom Collins,
- 13. Rory Hutchinson,
- 12. Piers Francis,
- 11. Taqele Naiyaravoro,
- 10. Dan Biggar,
- 9. Cobus Reinach,
- 1. Alex Waller (c),
- 2. Mikey Haywood,
- 3. Ehren Painter,
- 4. David Ribbans,
- 5. Courtney Lawes,
- 6. Tom Wood,
- 7. Lewis Ludlam,
- 8. Teimana Harrison.
Replacements:
- 16. James Fish,
- 17. Francois van Wyk,
- 18. Owen Franks,
- 19. Api Ratuniyarawa,
- 20. Jamie Gibson,
- 21. James Mitchell,
- 22. Matt Proctor,
- 23. Ahsee Tuala,
LYON
- 15. Jean-Marcellin Buttin,
- 14. Josua Tuisova,
- 13. Pierre-Louis Barassi,
- 12. Charlie Ngatai,
- 11. Noa Nakaitaci,
- 10. Pato Fernandez,
- 9. Jonathan Pélissié (c),
- 1. Raphael Chaume,
- 2. Jeremie Maurouard,
- 3. Clément Ric,
- 4. Killian Geraci,
- 5. Loann Goujon,
- 6. Liam Gill,
- 7. Patrick Sobela,
- 8. Carl Fearns.
Replacements:
- 16. Mickael Ivaldi,
- 17. Hamza Kaabèche,
- 18. Demba Bamba,
- 19. Hendrik Roodt,
- 20. Virgile Bruni,
- 21. Baptiste Couilloud,
- 22. Jonathan Wisniewski,
- 23. Thibaut Regard,
Referee: Frank Murphy (Ireland)
AR1: George Clancy (Ireland)
AR2: Robert O’Sullivan (Ireland)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)
Broadcasters: BT Sport / beIN SPORTS
Prediction – Lyon by 4
Racing 92 v Saracens
Date: Sun 17 November 2019 KO: 16:15
Venue: Paris La Defense Arena
RACING 92
- 15. Brice Dulin,
- 14. Teddy Thomas,
- 13. Virimi Vakatawa,
- 12. Henry Chavancy (c),
- 11. Juan Imhoff,
- 10. Finn Russell,
- 9. Maxime Machenaud,
- 1. Eddy Ben Arous,
- 2. Camille Chat,
- 3. Cedate Gomes Sa,
- 4. Donnacha Ryan,
- 5. Boris Palu,
- 6. Wenceslas Lauret,
- 7. Baptiste Chouzenoux,
- 8. Antonie Claassen.
Replacements:
- 16. Teddy Baubigny,
- 17. Hassane Kolingar,
- 18. Ali Oz,
- 19. Dominic Bird,
- 20. Yoan Tanga,
- 21. Teddy Iribaren,
- 22. Ben Volavola,
- 23. Simon Zebo,
SARACENS
- 15. Matt Gallagher,
- 14. Sean Maitland,
- 13. Alex Lozowski,
- 12. Nick Tompkins,
- 11. Roti Segun,
- 10. Manu Vunipola,
- 9. Ben Spencer,
- 1. Rhys Carre,
- 2. Jack Singleton ,
- 3. Titi Lamositele,
- 4. Will Skelton,
- 5. Callum Hunter-Hill,
- 6. Nick Isiekwe,
- 7. Ben Earl,
- 8. Jackson Wray (c).
Replacements:
- 16. Joe Gray,
- 17. Sam Crean,
- 18. Vincent Koch,
- 19. Joel Kpoku,
- 20. Sean Reffell,
- 21. Tom Whiteley,
- 22. Damian Willemse,
- 23. Duncan Taylor,
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
AR1: Stuart Gaffikin (Ireland)
AR2: Paul Haycock (Ireland)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)
Broadcasters: FR2 / beIN SPORTS / BT Sport
Prediction – Racing by 10
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The Munster squad have started preparations at the HPC ahead of Saturday’s sold-out clash against the All Blacks XV at Thomond Park (5.30pm).
The game will be exclusively live-streamed on Access Munster, sign up here.
Pinergy, Munster Rugby’s official energy partner, are the presenting partners for the clash.
On the injury front, there were no fresh concerns following Saturday’s clash against the Sharks in Durban.
Peter O’Mahony (hamstring), who has been included in Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series squad but is continuing his rehabilitation at the HPC, will increase his training load this week. His availability for this weekend’s clash against the All Blacks XV will be determined later in the week.
Brian Gleeson (shoulder) and Diarmuid Kilgallen (leg) came through the weekend with no issues after returning to action with Garryowen in the AIL.
On the international front, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash and Alex Kendellen have travelled to Portugal with the Ireland squad ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
Continuing to rehab: Shane Daly (leg), Jeremy Loughman (knee), Alex Nankivell (hip), Josh Wycherley (neck), Mark Donnelly (ankle), Dave Kilcoyne (ankle), Oli Jager (neck), Liam Coombes (leg), Thaakir Abrahams (thigh), Patrick Campbell (shoulder), Cian Hurley (knee), Edwin Edogbo (Achilles), Roman Salanoa (knee).
Tickets
Saturday, November 2
Munster v All Blacks XV, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; SOLD OUT – Watch live on Access Munster here
URC Round 7: Saturday, November 30
Munster v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 1: Saturday, December 7
Munster v Stade Francais, Thomond Park, 5:30pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 3: Saturday, January 11
Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 9: Friday, December 27
Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 11: Saturday, February 15
Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 12: Friday, February 28
Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19
Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 17: Friday, May 9
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Friday, May 16
Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to announce that Academy trio Tony Butler, Ethan Coughlan and Mark Donnelly will be promoted to the senior squad in the summer.
We can also confirm that hooker Scott Buckley, who graduated from the Academy to the senior squad in 2022, has signed a contract extension.
Out-half Butler, scrum-half Coughlan (both 21) and 22-year-old prop Donnelly have all signed on for the next two seasons after impressing over their three years in the Academy.
Butler and Coughlan become the first Ennis RFC players to earn senior Munster contracts.
As previously confirmed, Academy lock Edwin Edogbo (21), who also came up through the Munster Youths system with Cobh Pirates, will graduate from the Academy to the senior squad on a two-year deal next season.
Buckley, Butler, Coughlan and Donnelly all made their Munster debuts in the famous Champions Cup win over Wasps in December 2021.
Tony Butler in action against Dragons.
Ennis out-half Tony Butler has earned his first senior contract after a very productive three years in the Academy.
He has made six senior appearances to date, including two starts so far this season against Dragons and Connacht.
A Grand Slam winner with the Ireland U20s in 2022, Butler now plays his AIL rugby with Young Munster having previously lined out for Garryowen.
He captained Ennis at underage level, teaming up with Coughlan in the half-backs as they enjoyed success in the Munster U16 and U18 Clubs competitions.
Scrum-half Ethan Coughlan is enjoying an excellent campaign with three starts so far this year and eight senior appearances in total since joining the Academy.
He enjoyed great success alongside Butler with Ennis RFC at underage level before captaining the Ireland U18 Clubs team.
He also won a Grand Slam with the Ireland U20s in 2022 and plays his AIL rugby with Shannon.
Prop Mark Donnelly has already made nine senior appearances for Munster after coming up through the ranks at Midleton RFC, Midleton College and CBC.
He was a Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup winner with CBC in 2019 and featured for the Ireland U20s in the 2021 Six Nations.
He joined the Academy that summer before making his Munster debut along with Buckley, Butler and Coughlan against Wasps in December 2021
Along with his nine senior Munster appearances, Donnelly has also played regularly for Garryowen in the AIL over the past three years.
Mark Donnelly at Munster training.
Hooker Scott Buckley (23) has signed a one-year contract having made 25 appearances for Munster to date.
A product of the Munster Rugby Academy, Buckley started out with Kinsale RFC before captaining CBC to the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup in 2019.
He was Player of the Match against Wasps on his Munster debut and made nine appearances last season as Munster won the URC title.
A UCC clubman, he scored the match-winning try against Crusaders at Páirc Ui Chaoimh earlier this month.
Scott Buckley scores a try against Leinster in pre-season.
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Munster Rugby are pleased to confirm the signing of 23-year-old winger Diarmuid Kilgallen on a two-year deal ahead of the 2024/25 season.
In further contract news, hooker Eoghan Clarke has signed a one-year deal for next season after rejoining Munster in November.
Prop Keynan Knox has completed his time at the province after scoring three tries in 33 appearances and we wish him all the best for the future.
Diarmuid Kilgallen in action against Ulster in November.
Kilgallen hails from Eadestown in Kildare and has scored 12 tries in 22 appearances for Connacht to date.
He started out at Naas RFC before playing schools rugby for Cistercian College Roscrea on the Tipperary-Offaly border.
He joined the Connacht Academy in 2019 and made his debut against Munster in 2020.
A tall, athletic winger, he scored five tries in eight appearances last season and has five tries in six appearances so far this year.
Eoghan Clarke made his first start for Munster against Crusaders earlier this month.
25-year-old hooker Clarke has signed on for next year after impressing since returning to the province in November.
Clarke spent three years in the Munster Academy before departing for Jersey Reds in 2021. He won the English Championship with Jersey last season but the club went into liquidation in October.
He has made five appearances for Munster since returning, including a debut against Bayonne in December and a first start against Crusaders at Páirc Uí Chaoimh earlier this month.
24-year-old tighthead prop Knox departs after over seven years at Munster Rugby.
He joined the Academy midway through the 2017/18 season after completing his second level education with Michaelhouse in South Africa.
The Young Munster clubman made his senior debut against Dragons in September 2019 and moved up to the senior squad in 2020.
Knox featured in eight games last season as Munster clinched the URC title. In total, he scored three tries in 33 Munster appearances.
We wish Keynan all the best with his next move.
Keynan Knox at training last month.
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Jordan signs for Bristol Bears
IRFU Announces Return Of ‘A’ Interprovincial Championship
