Leicester Tigers defeat Munster 32-24 in pre-season friendly

Munster lost 32-24 to Leicester Tigers in their final pre-season friendly held at Virgin Media Park. A crowd of 4,421 attended the match in Cork ahead of Munster’s upcoming United Rugby Championship opener against Glasgow Warriors.

Leicester established an early lead with tries from Jamie Blamire and Finn Carnduff. Munster responded through a senior debut from 20-year-old Charlie O’Shea, who scored and converted his own try. While Gavin Coombes and Jake O’Riordan scored for Munster to briefly take the lead, Leicester regained control with a fourth try from Corbin Thunder and a late intercept try to secure the eight-point victory.

The match featured several new elements for Munster, including Fineen Wycherley captaining the side for the first time and the inclusion of new signings Marnus van der Merwe and Kieran Brookes.