Where to watch Leinster v Munster: Kick-off time, TV channel and team news
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Round 4.
One of the biggest rivalries in Irish rugby returns this evening as Leinster and Munster go head-to-head in a highly anticipated United Rugby Championship showdown at the Aviva Stadium.
Leo Cullen’s side will be looking to build on last weekend’s impressive Champions Cup victory over Clermont Auvergne, while Munster arrive in Dublin full of confidence following their emotional 33-25 win over Racing 92 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
There are several fascinating selection calls ahead of the interprovincial clash, with Dan Sheehan set to captain Leinster from number eight and Joey Carbery making his first start for the province since returning from France.
Munster, meanwhile, have made seven changes to their starting side, with Tadhg Beirne leading the visitors into another huge encounter between Irish rugby’s fiercest rivals.
Here’s everything you need to know about Leinster v Munster, including kick-off time, TV coverage in Ireland and the confirmed teams.
When is Leinster v Munster?
Leinster take on Munster on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm Irish time, with the game forming part of Round Four of the United Rugby Championship.
What TV channel is Leinster v Munster on?
Leinster v Munster will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1 in Ireland, with coverage also available to stream through Premier Sports for subscribers.
The match can also be streamed on URC.tv, subject to subscription and regional availability.
Supporters unable to watch the game can listen to live radio commentary on RTÉ Radio 1.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Leinster v Munster |
| Competition | United Rugby Championship |
| Date | Saturday, October 24 |
| Kick-off | 6pm |
| TV channel | Premier Sports 1 |
| Radio | RTÉ Radio 1 |
| Venue | Aviva Stadium, Dublin |
Leinster v Munster team news
Leinster have made several significant changes to their side, with Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan named at number eight in the absence of injured back-row stars Caelan Doris and Jack Conan.
Sheehan, who scored twice in last weekend’s Champions Cup victory over Clermont, will also captain the province.
Joey Carbery makes his first Leinster start since 2018 against his former club, replacing Sam Prendergast, who misses out through injury. There is also a welcome return for Jamison Gibson-Park, who makes his first appearance of the season at scrum-half.
Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher and Tadhg Furlong form an experienced front row, while Joe McCarthy and James Ryan start in the second row.
Leinster are also without Ireland internationals Garry Ringrose (hamstring) and Sam Prendergast (wrist), with both players facing a race to be fit for Ireland’s Nations Championship opener against Argentina next month.
Munster have made seven changes following their victory over Racing 92, with Shane Daly returning from injury to start on the wing.
Seán O’Brien moves to outside centre for his 50th Munster appearance, while Craig Casey and Charlie O’Shea continue their half-back partnership. Tadhg Beirne captains the visitors from the second row, with Gavin Coombes, Alex Kendellen and Jack O’Donoghue forming the back row.
Munster are without several players through injury, including Tom Ahern, John Hodnett, Dan Kelly, Jeremy Loughman and Jack Aungier.
Leinster v Munster confirmed teams
Leinster: Hugo Keenan; Tommy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien; Joey Carbery, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Tadhg Furlong, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Dan Sheehan (capt).
Replacements: Gus McCarthy, Alex Usanov, Thomas Clarkson, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Scott Penny, Fintan Gunne, Caspar Gabriel, Charlie Tector.
Munster: Ben O’Connor; Shay McCarthy, Seán O’Brien, Alex Nankivell, Shane Daly; Charlie O’Shea, Craig Casey; Josh Wycherley, Marnus van der Merwe, Kieran Brookes, Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (capt), Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes.
Replacements: Max Clein, Mark Donnelly, Michael Ala’alatoa, Seán Edogbo, Brian Gleeson, Ben O’Donovan, JJ Hanrahan, Gordon Wood.
Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU).
Can Munster beat Leinster at the Aviva Stadium?
Leinster have dominated the rivalry in recent seasons, winning four of the last five meetings between the provinces.
However, Munster will take confidence from their 31-14 victory over Leinster at Croke Park in October 2025, as well as last weekend’s impressive European performance against Racing 92.
Both sides have endured mixed starts to the URC campaign, with Leinster winning just one of their opening three league fixtures and Munster recording one win, one draw and one defeat.
With several Ireland internationals involved ahead of next month’s Nations Championship, there will be plenty at stake when the two provinces renew their rivalry in Dublin.
