Munster's Diarmuid Barren and Oli Jager ruled out of Friday's URC clash against Benetton

TEAM UPDATE: Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager are ruled out of Munster's clash against Benetton in their round 18 URC clash.

Munster will be without injured front rowers Diarmuid Barron and Oli Jager for Friday's final round of the URC regular season against Benetton at Virgin Media Park.

Hooker Barron and titghthead prop Jager missed last Friday's bonus-point derby win over Ulster at Thomond Park and their respective shoulder and head injuries will also keep them out of the sell-out Round 18 clash with their play-off rivals, with both sides needing a victory to be sure of a top-eight finish to both progress to the knockout stages and qualify for next season’s Champions Cup.

Munster kept their season alive with a 38-20 win over the Ulstermen last Friday and the match saw Tom Ahern, Stephen Archer, John Hodnett, Conor Murray, Peter O'Mahony and Josh Wycherley all return from.injury to play their parts as Munster snapped a three-game losong streak. The province on Monday reported that all six players came through the game without issue, as did utility back Liam Coombes in last week's Munster A game against Connacht Eagles.

Successful returns for veteran trio Archer, Murray and O'Mahony also clear the way for them to finish their long Munster careers in their final home games before departing this summer. Archer and O'Mahony are retiring while Murray is set for a move overseas and with a top-four finish in the table now out of reach, this Friday in Cork represents their last games on home turf.

Munster have also been boosted by a return to training for power forward Edwin Edogbo after being sidelined with Achilles tendon injury for 17 months. The lock from Cobh's availability for selection to face Benetton will be determined as the week progresses, the province said.

Continuing to rehab: Jeremy Loughman (hamstring), Ethan Coughlan (hamstring), Billy Burns (shoulder), Shane Daly (hamstring), Roman Salanoa (knee).