Leinster vs Munster: Kick-off time, TV details, team news and everything you need to know

The stage is set for the 173rd meeting between Leinster and Munster as both sides prepare to face off in Dublin on Saturday evening. 

The old rivals will be going head-to-head in the first interpro of the new URC season at GAA HQ in the Irish capital. 

Munster are currently second in the table after three wins from their opening three games whereas Leinster are sitting in tenth after securing their first win of the season against the Sharks last weekend at the Aviva Stadium.

Leinster have won the previous four meetings of the teams but Clayton McMillan's side will be hoping to stop that streak this weekend and continue their perfect start to the new URC campaign.

Ireland fly-halves Jack Crowley and Sam Prendergast will line out for opposing sides for the first time in Saturday's showdown as they battle it out for Ireland's number 10 jersey ahead of the Autumn tests. 

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When and where is the match on? 

Leinster against Munster will take place in Croke Park with the game kicking off at 5:15pm on Saturday, October 18.

Where can I watch it? 

The match will be shown on TG4 and Premier sports 1. Coverage will start at 4:30pm on TG4 and 5pm on Premier Sports 1 bringing audiences an extensive build-up to the clash along with post-match interviews and analysis. 

Are Tickets still available?

There is still a limited number of tickets available through Ticketmaster for those who would like to attend the match with prices starting from €22.95

What is the team news?

Munster have made ten changes to the side for the second game running as Tadhg Beirne starts in the back row making his first appearance of the season. 

Edwin Edogbo returns from injury to make his first start for Munster since December 2023 after featuring from the bench against Edinburgh last time out. 

Munster will be missing a number of players through injury for the Leinster match including Calvin Nash, Tom Ahern, Craig Casey, Oli Jager, Mike Haley and Niall Scannell. 

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As for Leinster, Head Coach Leo Cullen has rotated his starting XV from last Saturday's home win over the Sharks. 

Captain Jack Conan was named in the line-up and set to make his first appearance of the season following his integral role for the Lions in their tour of Australia over the summer starting all three tests. However, he has been withdrawn as a precaution with his knee and now misses out in a late change to the team. 

Josh van der Flier will now captain the side for the second time after leading Leinster to victory last weekend. 

Tommy O’Brien was also due to earn his 50th Leinster cap against their rivals but has been ruled out on Saturday morning with a back issue. 

Jordan Larmour and max Deegan will come into the side to replace Conan and O'Brien. 

Jimmy O'Brien will join the bench to provide cover as a result of the late changes to the squad.

James Ryan will also return to begin his campaign following Lions duty as he partners RG Snyman in the second row. 

Cullen has confirmed that Harry Byrne is unavailable for selection following a minor back injury. 

What are the Line-ups?

Leinster team: Jamie Osborne, Jordan Larmour, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park, Paddy McCarthy, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, RG Snyman, James Ryan; Alex Soroka, Josh van der Flier (C), Max Deegan.

Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, Thomas Clarkson, Brian Deeny, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Ciarán Frawley, Jimmy O'Brien. 

Munster team: Shane Daly; Andrew Smith, Tom Farrell, Dan Kelly, Thaakir Abrahams; Jack Crowley, Ethan Coughlan; Michael Milne, Diarmuid Barron, John Ryan; Edwin Edogbo, Fineen Wycherley; Tadhg Beirne (C), Jack O’Donoghue, Brian Gleeson.

Replacements: Lee Barron, Jeremy Loughman, Ronan Foxe, Jean Kleyn, Gavin Coombes, Paddy Patterson, JJ Hanrahan, Alex Nankivell.

Who are the match officials?

Italy's Gianluca Gnecchi will be the referee for the encounter in Croke Park. His assistant referees are Jonny Erskine and Peter Martin while Stefano Penne will be the TMO.