In the final round of domestic games before next weekend’s Round of 16 first legs, Munster, who travel to Exeter Chiefs, have made nine changes to their starting XV.

Conor Murray partners Joey Carbery in a fresh halfback combination, with centre Chris Farrell and wing Calvin Nash also coming in, while prop Jeremy Loughman, hooker Niall Scannell, lock Jason Jenkins and flankers Peter O’Mahony and Chris Cloete are brought into the pack.

Meanwhile Leinster, who visit Connacht Rugby in the Heineken Champions Cup next week, have also named a bolstered side, making 11 alterations to their starting team.

In the backs, full-back Hugo Keenan, wing James Lowe and scum-half Jamison Gibson-Park all come in, while captain Garry Ringrose partners Robbie Henshaw in midfield.

In the pack, flankers Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier partner No.8 Jack Conan in a back row, with Jack Dunne lining up next to Devin Toner in the second row and prop Ed Byrne also called in.

Elsewhere in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday, Connacht have made six changes for their trip to Benetton Rugby, handing starts to centre Sammy Arnold, wing Mack Hansen, No.8 Paul Boyle, lock Leva Fifita and props Finlay Bealham and Matthew Burke.

Ulster, who are away at Stade Toulousain in next weekend’s Round of 16 first leg, are another side ringing the changes as they travel to Bulls.

Ben Moxham and Ethan McIlroy are on the wings, James Hume and Luke Marshall in midfield, while Ian Madigan and Nathan Doak form the half-pack pairing.

Prop Marty Moore is the only forward retained, with Andrew Warwick and hooker Brad Roberts joining him in the front row, while Kieran Treadwell and Iain Henderson are in the second row and Jordi Murphy, Nick Timoney and No.8 Duane Vermeulen complete the back row.

In the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday, full-back Stuart Hogg returns to the Exeter Chiefs side as they host Bath Rugby.

Bristol Bears, who are away at Sale Sharks in Europe next weekend, make the trip to Northampton Saints and welcome back scrum-half Andy Uren after injury lay-off.

In the TOP 14, there is a Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 teaser as Union Bordeaux-Bègles host Stade Rochelais – the two sides will go head-to-head at Stade Chaban-Delmas once again next weekend.

ASM Clermont Auvergne, who host Leicester Tigers in the first leg of their Round of 16 contest, welcome CA Brive, while Montpellier Hérault Rugby, who entertain Harlequins next weekend, visit USAP.

There is another Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 trial run in the TOP 14 on Sunday as Racing 92 play Stade Français, while Harlequins are away at London Irish in the Premiership.

Munster Rugby’s Gavin Coombes starts at No.8 on his 50th appearance for the Irish province as they take on fellow Heineken Champions Cup Round of 16 side Leinster Rugby in a top-of-the table clash in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday.