Calvin Nash leads the Munster side out from the sheds on his 100th appearance for the club.

A late change to the starting lineup for Munster. Jack Crowley is out of the squad and JJ Hanrahan comes in at fly-half.

Ulster hooker James McCormick says he is "excited to get going" against Munster at Thomond Park.

With Ulster ravaged by injuries in the lead-up to this weekend's United Rugby Championship [URC] interprovincial clash in Limerick, there is an opportunity for others to step up as Richie Murphy's side enter the business end of the season.

"When you're in my position and other lads the same, you're waiting on these chances all year," the 24-year-old told BBC Sport NI.

"You have to have a lot of self-belief when some weeks you don't get picked and others you do, so it's a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions.

"I'm an Ulster lad and you want to play in the big games at this time of the year. It's gutting for those [injured] lads but I'm excited to get going."

Read more of what McCormick had to say in the build-up to the big game here.

Image source, Inpho

Ulster continue to count the cost of their 29-21 defeat by Leinster in the United Rugby Championship [URC] with six players added to the injury list ahead of the match against Munster.

Angus Bell (foot), Scott Wilson (ankle), Tom O'Toole (hand), James Hume (neck), Jude Postlethwaite (hand) and Bryn Ward (shoulder) have all been ruled out after picking up injuries against Leo Cullen's side.

They join a list of unavailable players that already includes Nick Timoney (hip), James McNabney (knee), Rob Herring (calf), Robert Baloucoune (elbow), Rory McGuire (shoulder) and Stewart Moore (knee).

"Not winning at home was a big moment for us, but then add the guys who have picked up knocks," Ulster coach Richie Murphy told BBC Sport NI.

"There will be a bit of pressure on our squad depth this week, but that's exciting as well with everyone wanting to put their hand up for what is ahead."

Read the full article here.

Image source, Getty Images

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy makes 15 changes from last week's defeat by Leinster in Belfast.

Eric O'Sullivan and Bryan O'Connor - the latter making his first start- begin at loose-head and tight-head as James McCormick returns at hooker.

Harry Sheridan and Charlie Irvine start in the second row, while Lorcan McLoughlin joins debutants James McKillop and Tom Brigg in the back row.

Joining fit-again full-back Michael Lowry - who will captain the side - in the back three are former Leinster wing Aitzol Arenzana-King and Ben Moxham, who makes his first start since November 2023 after recovering from two anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Ethan McIlroy and Ben Carson start in midfield, while Conor McKee and Jake Flannery are paired at half-back.

Munster make just one change with Oli Jager replacing Michael Ala'alatoa in the front row.

Head coach Clayton McMillan has included experienced Ireland internationals Jack Crowley, Craig Casey and Tadhg Beirne.

Munster: Daly; Nash, Farrell, Nankivell, Smith; Crowley, Casey, Loughman, Barron, Jager, Kleyn, Beirne (capt); Ahern, Hodnett, Coombes.

Replacements: Barron, Milne, Ala'alatoa, Edogbo, Gleeson, O'Donovan, Kelly, Kendellen.

Ulster: Lowry (capt); Arenzana-King, McIlroy, Carson, Moxham; Flannery, McKee; O'Sullivan, McCormick, O'Connor, Sheridan, Irvine, McKillop, Brigg, McLoughlin.

Replacements: Andrew, Reid, McAllister, Hopes, Rea, Shanahan, Humphreys, Scott

Good evening and welcome to our live text coverage of this evening's United Rugby Championship game between Munster and Ulster at Thomond Park.

Last time the sides met, Richie Murphy's outfit were the 28-3 victors after a commanding performance in the second half.

However, they come into this game after a 29-21 defeat by Leinster, while Munster won their last fixture and scored seven tries against Benetton.

Ulster currently sit fifth in the table and are one point ahead of tonight's hosts in sixth.

We will bring you live text commentary from the game throughout the evening, so you won't miss any of the action. Enjoy!

Image source, Inpho