Quinlan back in Munster squad

Munster coach Tony McGahan has named his side for Sunday’s Magners League match away to Aironi at the Stadio Zaffanella, kick-off 2.00pm.

Alan Quinlan returns to the Munster squad for the first time since dislocating his elbow against elbow against Connacht last December.

The veteran blindside flanker, who has won 208 caps for his province, is named on an experienced replacements bench alongside Denis Fogarty, Marcus Horan and Doug Howlett.

McGahan is without a host of players due to international commitments including the likes of Paul O’Connell, Denis Leamy, Peter Stringer and Ronan O’Gara.

Paul Warwick will deputise for O’Gara at outhalf while Duncan Williams gets another chance to impress at scrum half.

After his fine showing last weekend against Edinburgh, Lifeimi Mafi is again named at outside centre and is joined by fellow Kiwi Sam Tuitupou.

Cork Constitution winger Simon Zebo forms an exciting back three alongside Denis Hurly and Johne Murphy.

Meanwhile, Ulster prop BJ Botha, who is leaving the Northern province at the end of the season, has been closely linked to a move to Munster.

The World Cup winning Springbok is being strongly linked with a transfer to the Reds and would be seen as an ideal replacement for Tony Buckley who has signed a three-year deal with Sale Sharks.

Munster: J Murphy; D Hurley, L Mafi, S Tuitupou, S Zebo; P Warwick, D Williams; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; I Nagle, M O'Driscoll (C), D Ryan; T O'Donnell, J Coughlan

Replacements: D Fogarty, M Horan, S Archer, B Holland, A Quinlan, C Murray , D Cusack, D Howlett