The Irish provinces are preparing to kick off their European campaigns on Saturday, with Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster all naming their teams for the opening Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup games.
Leinster will see the return of fly-half Joey Carbery, who is named on the bench for their Champions Cup clash against Clermont Auvergne in France. This marks his first appearance for the club in eight years after rejoining in the summer. Sam Prendergast will start at fly-half, with Dan Sheehan captaining a strong side featuring 14 Ireland internationals.
Munster will pay tribute to former captain and head coach Anthony Foley by retiring the number eight jersey for their game against Racing 92 in Cork, marking the 10-year anniversary of his death. Four players are set to make their Champions Cup debuts for Munster, including fly-half Charlie O'Shea and back row Sean Edogbo.
In the Challenge Cup, Ulster will feature centre Daniel Hawkshaw making his debut against Zebre in Parma. David McCann will captain a youthful Ulster side, which includes Tom O'Toole making his first start of the season. Connacht, meanwhile, have rested Ireland internationals Mack Hansen and Finlay Bealham for their Champions Cup opener against Saracens in Galway.