The four Irish provinces begin their European campaigns on Saturday, facing French, Italian and English opposition. In the Investec Champions Cup, last year's beaten finalists Leinster travel to France to face Clermont Auvergne at 15:15 BST, before Connacht host Saracens at 17:30 and Munster welcome Racing 92 to Cork at 20:00. Ulster take on Zebre in the Challenge Cup at 15:15 as Richie Murphy's side begin their quest to avenge last season's loss to Montpellier in the final.
Joey Carbery is set to make his first Leinster appearance in eight years as head coach Leo Cullen names a strong team to take on Clermont at Stade Marcel-Michelin. Having departed in 2018, fly-half Carbery returned to Leinster in the summer following spells at Munster and Bordeaux. The 30-year-old Ireland international is named on the bench, with Sam Prendergast given the nod at 10. The starting XV features 14 Ireland internationals, with Dan Sheehan captaining the side in Caelan Doris' absence. After impressing in last week's United Rugby Championship win over Cardiff, Prendergast is retained at fly-half alongside scrum-half Fintan Gunne, as Jamison Gibson-Park misses out through injury.
Munster make six changes from last week's URC draw with Ulster as they prepare to mark the 10-year anniversary of former captain and head coach Anthony Foley's death against Racing 92 at Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. As part of a series of tributes, Munster have revealed the number eight shirt will be retired for the day, with Brian Gleeson wearing number 24. Four players will make their Champions Cup debuts, including fly-half Charlie O'Shea, who starts ahead of JJ Hanrahan, and back row Sean Edogbo.
Ulster open their Challenge Cup campaign against Zebre in Parma, where Daniel Hawkshaw will make his Ulster debut in midfield. The 24-year-old arrived at the club in the summer and will partner the ...
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing