By:
Conor Martin
Munster have made eight changes for Friday’s clash with the Dragons, with academy back-row Seán Edogbo handed his first senior competitive start.
The academy back-rower has impressed in the development pathway and now looks ready for the step up as Munster continue to blend emerging talent with proven experience.
https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/2014303760755888618
Seán Edogbo is following in his brother’s Munster footsteps
Edogbo’s call-up also adds another chapter to a growing family story at province and national level. The UCC student becomes the second player from Cobh Pirates to represent Munster in the professional era, following brother Edwin, whose own week took a major turn when he was included in Ireland’s squad for the 2026 Six Nations.
For the Edogbos and their club, it’s a landmark moment that underlines the strength of the local production line.
There is a refreshed look across the backs, with Mike Haley, Dan Kelly, JJ Hanrahan and Ethan Coughlan all stepping into the starting XV. Munster captain Diarmuid Barron starts in the front row, while the back row is completely reconfigured, featuring Edogbo alongside Ruadhán Quinn and Brian Gleeson.
In the back three, Haley is joined by Thaakir Abrahams and Shane Daly, with Daly shifting onto the wing. Alex Nankivell partners Kelly in midfield, and the half-back pairing sees Coughlan combine with Hanrahan to guide the side around the park.
Up front, Jeremy Loughman, Barron and Michael Ala’alatoa pack down in the front row. Behind them, the second-row remains unchanged, with Jean Kleyn continuing alongside Fineen Wycherley.
The youth theme is clear in the back row too: Quinn, at 22, is the oldest of the trio, flanked by 21-year-olds Edogbo and Gleeson, with Gleeson recently committing his future by signing a two-year contract extension.
On the bench, Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley and Oli Jager provide front hookup cover, with Jager building on a successful return from a head injury last week. Evan O’Connell is in contention for his first senior outing since November, while Gavin Coombes rounds out the forward replacements.
In the backline, Paddy Patterson returns after completing return-to-play protocols, joined among the substitutes by Tony Butler and Diarmuid Kilgallen.
Munster will be without key players on Friday night
Munster will be without five players for this week’s fixture due to a mix of injury and concussion-related issues. Alex Kendellen misses out with an ankle problem, while John Hodnett is sidelined with a thumb injury. Second-row Edwin Edogbo is unavailable after failing a post-match HIA, meaning he must follow the return-to-play protocols.
In addition, Tom Ahern is ruled out with a neck complaint, and back Calvin Nash continues to recover from a neck/shoulder issue, leaving the coaching staff to adjust their options in the pack and backline.
Munster team to play Dragons:
Munster Rugby: Mike Haley; Thaakir Abrahams, Dan Kelly, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; JJ Hanrahan, Ethan Coughlan; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron (Captain), Michael Ala’alatoa; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Seán Edogbo, Ruadhán Quinn, Brian Gleeson
Replacements: Lee Barron, Josh Wycherley, Oli Jager, Evan O’Connell, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Diarmuid Kilgallen
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