Glasgow Warriors v Munster in the URC: kick-off time, TV details and team news

Tony Butler could play a key part against Glasgow after his heroics last week. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Munster return to URC action this Friday, away to top side Glasgow Warriors and looking to make it consecutive victories after the province narrowly beat Dragons at Musgrave Park last Friday.

That victory, which came after the hosts pulled back a 13-point deficit courtesy of a Gavin Coombes double try and a late Tony Butler penalty, stopped the rot for Munster following a run of four defeats.

The win will, of course, have Clayton McMillan's men entering Friday's Round 11 fixture brimming with confidence.

Looking to end January on a high, Munster will have to do so without the services of Jack Crowley and Edwin Edogbo who are away for Six Nations duty - beginning February 5 when France host Ireland - and possibly JJ Hanrahan whose tweaked hamstring will be assessed before Friday. 

Glasgow Warriors, who sit atop the pile on 39 points, have won their last eight so the work will be cut out for The Red Army, who lie in 5th on 34 points.

Here's all you need to know ahead of the game.

Where's the game being played?

The game will take place in Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

What time is kick-off?

The match kicks off at 7.45pm Irish time on Friday, January 30.

Where can I watch?

The game will be shown live on TG4 and Premier Sports.

Who is the referee?

Craig Evans will be the man in the middle for the Scotstoun clash. The assistant referees will be Ian Kenny and David Sutherland while Adam Jones (WRU) takes up the role of TMO.

What's the team news

Clayton McMillan says Munster have options who, if required, can step into the fly-half role as JJ Hanrahan’s injury left them potentially threadbare in that department.

With Jack Crowley on Ireland duty and Hanrahan tweaking his hamstring, Tony Butler is the sole 10 currently available in the senior squad ahead of a trip to face Glasgow Warriors on Friday. 

The 23-year-old Ennis native kicked the winning penalty in their 22-20 victory over Dragons at Virgin Media Park.

Hanrahan will be assessed ahead of the Scotstoun trip, but should extra cover be needed, McMillan reckons Munster have back-up.

“We lost our most experienced player at 10, JJ Hanrahan, in the warm-up to a hamstring injury. He was kicking a few goals in the cold weather and just felt it go,” said McMillan.

“He tried to warm up, it was no good, so five minutes before the game, we were putting young Tony Butler in there.

“Then we had a decision to make around who we would bring onto our bench. We actually had a couple of backs and a few forwards.

“We plumped for a little bit of experience with the weather to bring Jack O'Donoghue onto the bench. Despite the injuries to the backs, it probably was a good move in the end, because it was pretty attritional, to have that sort of experience with him and Gavin Coombes coming on late in the game.” 

Asked about potential back-up options for fly-half, McMillan said: “We've probably got guys that can step in there and do a job, much the same as what happened tonight.

“I think Mike Haley's probably played there a little bit. I know that Ethan Coughlan's probably played there a little bit. If JJ's out, maybe we'll have to go to the young fella, who knows? Tom Wood.” 

McMillan added that it was “early to say” the nature of the injury that forced Alex Nankivell off the field. He went for an MRI scan for a foot injury sustained on Friday.

Jean Kleyn has, however, entered the return-to-play protocols after a HIA. Read Stephen Barry's full article here.