Ireland Rugby Stars Return for Thrilling Connacht vs Munster URC Derby Clash
Key Ireland internationals return as Connacht host Munster in historic URC derby at MacHale Park, Castlebar.
Team News & International Returns
Connacht welcome back four Ireland stars - Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and captain Cian Prendergast - among seven changes from their dramatic 43-40 loss to Ospreys. This marks the first professional rugby match ever held in County Mayo's MacHale Park.
Munster counter with three returning internationals: Tadhg Beirne (captain), Jack Crowley and Calvin Nash, plus the long-awaited returns of Oli Jager and Craig Casey from injury.
Historic Venue Debut
- First professional rugby match at 95-year-old MacHale Park
- Castlebar becomes the 14th different venue to host a Connacht home game
- Special occasion for Western Province's regional development
URC Standings Implications
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 6th | Munster | 22 |
| 12th | Connacht | 19 |
With only 3 points separating the rivals, this interprovincial derby carries significant playoff race implications.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Bundee Aki vs Munster Centers - Physical midfield battle
- Jack Crowley's Playmaking - Ireland flyhalf controls tempo
- Breakdown Contest - Beirne vs Prendergast at the ruck
Full Lineups
Connacht: Hansen; Mullins, Gavin, Aki, Treacy; Ioane, Blade; Duggan, Heffernan, Bealham; Joyce, Murray, Prendergast (capt), Hurley-Langton, Jansen. Replacements: Tierney-Martin, Buckley, Aungier, Murphy, Boyle, Devine, Hanrahan, Cordero
Munster: O'Connor; Nash, Farrell, Nankivell, O'Brien; Crowley, Casey; Loughman, Barron, Jager; Wycherley, Beirne (capt); Ahern, Hodnett, Coombes. Replacements: N Scannell, Wycherley, Archer, Kleyn, Quinn, Murray, R Scannell, Kendellen
Alumni
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