Clayton McMillan: 'Our internationals came bouncing back in, in pretty good nick'

“We're really clear around how much rugby they can play over the next nine weeks.”

NINE WEEK BLOCK: Munster Head Coach Clayton McMillan has welcomed back his internationals ahead of their nine week block. Picture: ©INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon

Clayton McMillan believes Munster’s Ireland international quintet have returned in good shape following the autumn international window and all five were keen to face the Stormers at Thomond Park this Saturday evening in a URC top-of-the-table clash between the league’s last remaining unbeaten sides.

Tom Ahern, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley and Tom Farrell have all been selected to start against the league leaders, who lead second-placed Munster on points difference after five rounds, while McMillan has also included four players making returns from injury in his matchday 23 with Thaakir Abrahams and Diarmuid Barron starting and Edwin Edogbo, John Hodnett and Niall Scannell named on the bench.