Munster Make Eight Changes for URC Trip to Benetton
Munster Rugby will field a significantly altered lineup for their crucial United Rugby Championship clash against Benetton Treviso on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as head coach Clayton McMillan implements eight changes from the side that suffered a Challenge Cup exit to Exeter Chiefs.
The wholesale changes come as Munster fight to secure a top-eight finish in the URC standings and qualify for next season’s Champions Cup. With their Challenge Cup campaign ending in a 31-21 defeat to Exeter, the province turns its full attention to the URC, where they currently sit just outside the playoff places.
Team News: Key Returns and Debuts
Full-back Shane Daly, wings Calvin Nash and Andrew Smith form an entirely new back three for the trip to Stadio Monigo. Nash and Daly return from injury absences, while Smith earns his first start of the season.
In the forwards, hooker Diarmuid Barron, tighthead prop Michael Ala’alatoa, lock Jean Kleyn, and back-rowers Tom Ahern and John Hodnett all come into the starting XV. Barron and Kleyn return from injury, with Kleyn recovering from an ankle issue and Barron overcoming concussion protocols.
The centre and half-back partnerships remain unchanged, with Alex Nankivell and Tom Farrell retaining their places in midfield alongside scrum-half Craig Casey and out-half Jack Crowley.
Jeremy Loughman, Barron and Ala’alatoa form the front row, with Kleyn and captain Tadhg Beirne locking down in the second row. The back row is completed by Ahern at blindside flanker, Hodnett at openside flanker, and Gavin Coombes at number eight.
Match Context and Stakes
Munster’s last six URC matches have all been won by the home team, highlighting the challenge of securing victory on the road in Treviso. Benetton have not defeated Munster since a 29-19 win at Stadio Monigo in September 2013, though the Italian side have proven difficult to beat at home in recent seasons.
The match is scheduled for a 7:45 PM kickoff at Stadio Monigo, with referee Ben Whitehouse overseeing the proceedings. The game will be broadcast live on URC.tv, Premier Sports, SuperSport, and TG4.
Looking Ahead
A victory over Benetton would secure Munster’s place in the URC quarter-finals and guarantee Champions Cup rugby for the 2026-27 season. The province will look to build on this result with upcoming home fixtures against Ulster and the Emirates Lions.
As Munster continue their push for a top-eight finish, the selection of a largely new back three and the return of key forwards from injury signal McMillan’s determination to uncover a winning combination for the business end of the season.