Irish provinces announce squads for European openers in Rugby
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 16, 2026, 11:58 AM
Last updated Oct 16, 2026
Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster have named their squads ahead of their opening matches in the Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup on Saturday. Leinster will face Clermont Auvergne in France, while Munster honors Anthony Foley's memory by retiring the number eight shirt for their match against Racing 92. Connacht will host Saracens, and Ulster takes on Zebre. Joey Carbery is set to make his first Leinster appearance in eight years, coming off the bench. Munster's lineup features multiple changes, including four players making their Champions Cup debuts, while Daniel Hawkshaw will debut for Ulster in Parma.
- •Leinster faces Clermont Auvergne in the Champions Cup opener.
- •Munster will retire the number eight shirt in memory of Anthony Foley.
- •Connacht plays Saracens, and Ulster begins against Zebre.
- •Joey Carbery set to debut for Leinster after eight years away.
- •Daniel Hawkshaw makes his Ulster debut against Zebre.
- 11:58 AMBBC Sport — Debuts, returns & tributes - teams named for European openers
"Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster name their matchday squads for Saturday's opening Investec Champions Cup and Challenge Cup games.
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