GROBLER SET FOR FIRST RUN-OUT IN RED

GERBRANDT GROBLER will make his first appearance for Munster ‘A’ in Nottingham tonight as Peter Malone’s side look to keep pace with Bedford Blues at the top of their British and Irish Cup pool, WRITES CIAN TRACEY.

The South African lock is yet to play for the province in a competitive game since arriving from Racing last summer after he picked up an injury in a pre-season game. As he returns to full fitness, Grobler has been in the headlines this week after Johann van Graan defended his past, in which her served a two-year ban for doping.

The 25-year-old will have expected the issue to come up as soon he neared a return to action, and he will be aiming to let his rugby do the talking.

The ‘A’ side have already beaten Nottingham at home earlier in the campaign and they will again come up against their former coach Ian Costello, who will join Wasps at the end of the season.

Fresh from signing development contracts earlier this week, Calvin Nash and Fineen Wycherley start on the wing and in the second-row respectively.

Last week’s man of the match Conor Oliver will look to build on his fine performance against Connacht as he continues his return from injury.

James Hart hasn’t had much joy since joining Munster and he will be hoping to stake his claim for the senior team with a good display from scrumhalf.

There is also a welcome return for Ronan O’Mahony on the bench. The winger hasn’t played since fracturing his leg against Treviso last May.

Ulster ‘A’ are in a similar position in their pool and they welcome table toppers Cornish Pirates to Shaw’s Bridge.

Former Ireland U-20 star Rob Lyttle is named on the wing, while Peter Browne and Clive Ross add plenty of experience from the engine room.