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Jeremy Loughman returns among nine changes for Munster's trip to Glasgow

Jeremy Loughman hasn't played since October due to a hip injury
Jeremy Loughman hasn't played since October due to a hip injury

Jeremy Loughman will make his first appearance since October, as Munster return to BKT United Rugby Championship action against Glasgow Warriors on Friday (live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player).

The loosehead prop comes straight into the starting team among nine changes from the defeat to Edinburgh at the end of February.

With Munster's Six Nations contingent on a mandatory rest period, Diarmuid Barron captains the side at hooker, with Stephen Archer also starting in a new front row.

Tom Ahern moves from flanker to lock where he partners Fineen Wycherley, with no recognised second row on the bench, as Gavin Coombes and Alex Kendellen also come into the side, joining John Hodnett in the back row.

There's a new half-back partnership, with Paddy Patterson and Tony Butler starting ahead of Ethan Coughlan and Billy Burns, the latter of whom misses out due to injury.

Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell are retained in the centre, with Ben O'Connor also keeping his place at full-back.

Andrew Smith will make his competitive debut on the wing, with the former Ireland Sevens international recently joining on loan from Connacht, while Seán O'Brien starts on the right wing.

On the bench, academy hooker Danny Sheehan is included, and will make his second URC appearance, while there is a Munster debut on the cards for Garryowen's Gordon Wood. The versatile back is the son of former Ireland captain and Munster hooker Keith Wood.

Munster Rugby: Ben O'Connor; Seán O’Brien, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Andrew Smith; Tony Butler, Paddy Patterson; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron (C), Stephen Archer; Fineen Wycherley, Tom Ahern; Alex Kendellen, John Hodnett. Gavin Coombes.

Replacements: Danny Sheahan, Josh Wycherley, John Ryan, Brian Gleeson, Ruadhán Quinn, Ethan Coughlan, Gordon Wood, Rory Scannell.

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Follow a live blog on Ireland v France in the Women's Six Nations on Saturday from 1pm on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 Extra with second half commentary also on RTÉ Radio 1 from 2pm

Watch Glasgow v Munster (Friday, 7.35pm), Bulls v Leinster (Saturday, 3pm) and Ospreys v Connacht in the United Rugby Championship on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player

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