O’Connell in Munster match day squad
Ryan was originally chosen in Munster’s 28 man group for the European game but now joins a strong Munster A squad that will be captained by Billy Holland for the game with Melrose at Greenyards tomorrow.
Ryan’s release leaves head coach Tony McGahan with three top second rows for the game against the Welsh side; Mick O’Driscoll is favoured to start alongside Donncha O’Callaghan and that leaves O’Connell free to act as a heavy hitting impact substitute.
The 22 man selection for the British and Irish Cup game also means a move from the senior panel for backs Scott Deasy and Tom Gleeson as well as prop forward Dave Ryan.
As things stand, the game is set to go ahead but Melrose have enlisted the help of dozens of volunteers to work on clearing the remains of recent snowfalls lodged on the pitch.
Melrose haven’t had a game since November 20 when they went down narrowly (20-18) away to Currie. Subsequent home games against Glasgow Hawks and Ayr were postponed because of the weather.
Meanwhile, Leinster’s match against Plymouth Albion has been moved to Holmpatrick, the home of Skerries RFC this evening (6.30).
Leinster seek a second successive victory following their away victory over Newport (33-28) in October and Paul O’Donohue leads a team boosted by the availability of Rhys Ruddock and Stephen Keogh in the back row.
N Morris, S Coghlan-Murray, B. Macken, N Reid, M Keating, I McKinley, P O’Donohue (captain), J McGrath, T Sexton, S Maguire, E Sheriff, E O’Donoghue, R Ruddock, S Keogh, J Murphy.
Replacements. A Dundon, B Prescott, M Flanagan, B Marshall, J Cooney, D Hudson, A Boyle.
S Deasy, S Scanlon, D Barnes, B Murphy, T Smith, I Dineen, T Gleeson, C Sheridan, C Murray, D Cusack, Dave Ryan, S Archer, P Borlase, S Henry, D Casey, B Holland (captain), D Ryan, D Foley, D O’Callaghan, K Essex, T O’Donnell, P Butler.
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