Milne to make Munster debut against Cardiff

Offaly native Michael Milne is primed to make his Munster debut in tonight's BKT United Rugby Championship clash away to Cardiff (kick-off 7.35pm).

Milne, who joined Munster from Leinster, is one of seven changes to the side that started the 16-13 defeat to the Bulls at Thomond Park last weekend.

From Crinkil, close to Birr, Milne has been selected at loosehead prop in place of Josh Wycherley, who sustained an injury during last Saturday's game.

Milne played for Birr RFC and Cistercian College, Roscrea, before joining Leinster, for whom he made 48 appearances.

Another local link to the Munster squad for the Cardiff game is former Tullamore RFC player Ronan Foxe. Rahugh native Foxe started playing rugby as a youngster with the Moate-based Midland Warriors RFC.

Tadhg Beirne will captain Munster at the Arms Park in Cardiff, in a team featuring the half-back pairing of Jack Crowley and Craig Casey.

Munster (vs Cardiff): Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Michael Milne, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (captain); Jack O'Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes. Replacements: Diarmuid Barron, Mark Donnelly, Ronan Foxe, Jean Kleyn, Ruadhán Quinn, Paddy Patterson, Tony Butler, Seán O’Brien.