Alex Nankivell 1 of 2 changes as Munster name team for Bordeaux

Alex Nankivell has been named in the Munster starting XV for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup quarter-final against Bordeaux-Bègles following a successful appeal against suspension.

Nankivell is one of two changes from the side that beat Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle last weekend.

The New Zealand-born centre was sent off in the 25th minute of Munster’s 30–24 win over Connacht in Round 14 of the United Rugby Championship, after referee Craig Evans penalised for a dangerous entry at a ruck. The incident involved Connacht captain Cian Prendergast, who was taken to hospital but discharged the following day.

Nankivell was initially handed a two-match ban by an independent disciplinary panel on April 2, but Munster appealed the sanction and the suspension was overturned, thus clearing the way for him to face Bordeaux at Stade Chaban-Delmas on Saturday.

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Tadhg Beirne captains the side, which shows two changes from the win over La Rochelle. Josh Wycherley replaces the injured Jeremy Loughman at loosehead prop, while Nankivell returns to partner Tom Farrell in midfield.

Fixture

Investec Champions Cup

Bordeaux

47 - 29

Full-time

Munster

All Stats and Data

Stephen Archer remains on the bench and is in line for his 300th appearance for the province, almost 16 years on from his debut against Edinburgh in October 2009.

Thaakir Abrahams, Calvin Nash and Andrew Smith form an unchanged back three. Jack Crowley and Craig Casey continue as the half-backs.

Wycherley is joined in the front row by Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager, with Jean Kleyn partnering Beirne in the second row. Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett and Gavin Coombes complete the starting XV.

Among the replacements, Mark Donnelly is included after featuring for Cork Constitution last weekend and could make his first Champions Cup appearance since the 2021 win over Wasps.

Munster Rugby: Thaakir Abrahams; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith; Jack Crowley, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Diarmuid Barron, Oli Jager; Jean Kleyn, Tadhg Beirne (capt); Peter O’Mahony, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes

Replacements: Niall Scannell, Mark Donnelly, Stephen Archer, Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern, Conor Murray, Seán O’Brien, Alex Kendellen