Rice returns to boost Kilkenny

Michael Rice will make his first start for Kilkenny tomorrow since suffering a horror hand injury in last year’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final victory over Tipperary.

Rice required surgery to reset several broken bones and missed out on the decider — and replay — win against Galway. Kilkenny will also be buoyed by the inclusion of Michael Fennelly in the side to play Clare at Cusack Park. Conor Fogarty and Paddy Hogan replace injured defenders Paul Murphy and Jackie Tyrrell. Richie Power also returns after illness.

KILKENNY (SH v Clare): E Murphy; P Hogan, JJ Delaney, C Fogarty; T Walsh, B Hogan, K Joyce; L Ryan, M Fennelly; M Rice, R Power, E Larkin; G Aylward, R Hogan A Fogarty.