Conor Murray on verge of long-awaited return

Conor Murray could make his first appearance since playing for Ireland in the June series against the Wallabies after being named in Munster’s 23-man squad for their game against Zebre this weekend.

The province revealed earlier this week that the scrum half had returned to full training following his neck injury and now he’s been named on the bench for the PRO14 game against Zebre on Sunday.

Murray, Chris Farrell and Conor Oliver make their return to the matchday squad and are all named on the bench, while Ronan O’Mahony makes his first appearance of the 2018/19 season.

Tyler Bleyendaal continues his captaincy from inside centre and Academy player Gavin Coombes makes his first start in the Guinness PRO14.

There are several changes to the starting XV who claimed a 30-26 win over the Cheetahs in South Africa earlier this month.

Mike Haley continues at full-back as O’Mahony returns on the right wing with Alex Wootton maintaining his position on the opposite flank.

Rory Scannell starts in the 13 shirt with Bleyendaal completing the centre partnership.

Neil Cronin and JJ Hanrahan combine in the half-backs.

The pack sees Jeremy Loughman, Kevin O’Byrne and Stephen Archer in the front row with Fineen Wycherley and Darren O’Shea partnering in the second row.

Coombes is joined by Chris Cloete and Arno Botha in the back row.

Academy player Sean O’Connor is named among the replacements.

Munster: Mike Haley; Ronan O’Mahony; Rory Scannell, Tyler Bleyendaal (C); Alex Wootton; JJ Hanrahan, Neil Cronin; Jeremy Loughman, Kevin O’Byrne, Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Darren O’Shea; Gavin Coombes, Chris Cloete, Arno Botha.

Replacements: Mike Sherry, Brian Scott, Ciaran Parker, Sean O’Connor, Conor Oliver, Conor Murray, Bill Johnston, Chris Farrell

You may also like: Ireland’s captain Rory Best says being awarded an OBE was “one of the greatest things” he has achieved.