Burns starts for Munster as Hansen returns for Connachtpublished at 12:48 20 September
Image source, Getty ImagesBurns will make his debut for Munster at Thomand Park whilst Hansen returns after a lengthy injury lay-off
Former Ulster fly-half Billy Burns is one of three new signings to make their competitive debut for Munster in their United Rugby Championship opener against Connacht.
Tom Farrell, who arrived from Connacht, starts against his former club with Thaakir Abrahams also included by Graham Rowntree.
Jean Kleyn starts in the second row, returning after 10 months out due to an eye injury.
Hooker Diarmuid Barron captains the side with Ireland international Tadhg Beirne absent.
Munster: Mike Haley; Thaakir Abrahams, Tom Farrell, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Billy Burns, Craig Casey; Jeremy Loughman, Diarmuid Barron (C), John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Fineen Wycherley; Ruadhan Quinn, John Hodnett, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Niall Scannell, Josh Wycherley, Oli Jager, Alex Kendellen, Jack O’Donoghue, Ethan Coughlan, Tony Butler, Sean O’Brien.
Hansen makes long awaited return for Connacht
Mack Hansen returns for Connacht for the trip to Thomand Park, playing his first game since a serious shoulder injury sustained on New Year's Day.
Santiago Cordero starts after playing for Argentina in the Rugby Championship and Josh Murphy will play his first game since May 2023.
New arrivals Ben Murphy, Josh Ioane and Piers O’Conor are included as Cian Prendergast captains the side for the first time.
Connacht: Santiago Cordero, Mack Hansen, Piers O’Conor, Cathal Forde, Shayne Bolton, Josh Ioane, Ben Murphy, Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Jack Aungie, Joe Joyce, Darragh Murray, Josh Murphy, Conor Oliver, Cian Prendergast (C).
Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Oisin Dowling, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Caolin Blade, David Hawkshaw, Sean Jansen.
