JOEY Carbery has picked-up “a slight knock in training” and is ruled out of the Munster team for Friday night’s URC outing with Zebre (Italy) at Virgin Media Park.
This was confirmed in a Thursday lunchtime statement by Munster Rugby.
The 28-year-old out-half is set to leave the province at the end of the season for French outfit Bordeaux Bègles.
Academy member Tony Butler and International Craig Casey will thus form a new half-back pairing at the weekend.
Butler will join the senior squad on a full-time basis next season. He has signed a two-year contract.
Another Academy performer, Ruadhán Quinn, has been handed the number six jersey.
Alex Kendellen, 22, captains the team.
Full-back Mike Haley makes his 99th start for the URC holders.
Kick-off in Cork is 7.35pm.
Meanwhile, Munster Rugby has confirmed Summer Underage Camps for Garryowen (July 1-5), Bruff (July 29-August 2) and Old Crescent (August 19-23). The cost is €80 per child. Each participant will receive an official Summer Camp Pack comprising an Adidas Summer Camp T-Shirt, Draw-String Bag and Mouth Guard.
Munster: Mike Haley (Preston Grasshoppers); Seán O’Brien (Mullingar), Antoine Frisch (Paris Université Club), Alex Nankivell (Christchurch Boys High School), Shane Daly (Highfield); Tony Butler (Ennis), Craig Casey (Shannon); Josh Wycherley (Bantry Bay), Niall Scannell (PBC Cork), John Ryan (Muskerry); Tom Ahern (Youghal), RG Snyman (Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool); Ruadhán Quinn (Ballina-Killaloe), Alex Kendellen, captain, (PBC Cork), Gavin Coombes (Skibbereen).
Replacements: Eoghan Clarke (CBC Monkstown), Jeremy Loughman (Athy), Stephen Archer (Cork Constitution), Fineen Wycherley (Bantry Bay), Jack O’Sullivan (Sunday’s Well), Ethan Coughlan (Ennis), Rory Scannell (PBC Cork), Ben O’Connor (Highfield).
