Ex-Leinster short-term signing starts for Munster on the wing

Former Leinster wing Rob Russell will make his Munster debut in Saturday’s URC clash with the Sharks after being handed a starting berth at Thomond Park.

The 27-year-old, who has been training with the province in recent weeks, arrived in Limerick after a spell with Gloucester and previously scored 18 tries in 35 appearances for Leinster. Russell, signed for Gloucester in 2025 but left the Gallagher PREM outfit having not featured since December of that year.

The 6’1, 90kg flyer has been plying his trade in the AIL with Old Belvedere since, scoring four tries in a single game and doing enough to pique the interest of Munster scouts.

Russell’s inclusion is one of several changes made by Clayton McMillan, with academy centre Gordon Wood earning his first start for the province on his fourth senior appearance. Ben O’Donovan, JJ Hanrahan, Evan O’Connell, Seán Edogbo and Brian Gleeson also come into the starting fifteen, while Edwin Edogbo and former Leinster hooker Lee Barron are set for their first appearances of the season off the bench following injury layoffs.

McMillan said: “We are looking forward to a huge challenge in front of our supporters at Thomond Park.

“The Sharks have made an excellent start to the season and enjoyed two big wins on the road over the past two weekends.

“We are eager to finish off the first block of fixtures with a committed, quality performance at home.”

On Russell’s inclusion, McMillan added: “Rob Russell has been training with us for the past few weeks off the back of some really good performances in the AIL. He has a good pedigree in the professional game and has really impressed us since coming in.”

The Munster boss also praised Wood ahead of his first start, saying: “It will be a special day for Gordy Wood making his first start for his home province as part of an exciting young backline. He is an impressive young man and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.”

Munster Rugby: Ben O’Connor; Shay McCarthy, Gordon Wood, Alex Nankivell, Rob Russell; JJ Hanrahan, Ben O’Donovan; Josh Wycherley, Marnus van der Merwe, Kieran Brookes; Evan O’Connell, Fineen Wycherley; Seán Edogbo, Jack O’Donoghue (C), Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Michael Ala’alatoa, Edwin Edogbo, Gavin Coombes, Jake O’Riordan, Charlie O’Shea, Alex Kendellen.