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We picked our Munster – Leinster combined XV of the 21st century

Published 08:49 24 Oct 2026 BST

Updated 08:49 24 Oct 2026 BST

Colman Stanley
We picked our Munster – Leinster combined XV of the 21st century

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A sensational team!

With Leinster welcoming Munster to the Aviva Stadium today, here is our combined XV of the 21st century.

Argue amongst yourselves!

Loosehead prop - Cian Healy

One of the easier selection in the side, without disrespecting the other options.

The Leinsterman was really just that good, and was a true trailblazer as one of the early prototypes of the modern prop, and remained one of the best in a career that was also defined by insane longevity.

Hooker - Dan Sheehan

Honestly, Keith Wood and Jerry Flannery would be deserved selections here.

Sheehan edges it, with his all-round and world class ability.

In many ways he is a modern version of Wood, but the fact that the Clare-native only had a brief-ish stint at Munster, hurts his case.

Tighthead prop - Tadhg Furlong

Another straightforward selection.

John Hayes will always remain an icon, but Furlong is genuinely in a conversation for an all-time world XV team.

Second row - Tadhg Beirne

The 'one that got away' for Leinster.

His home province saw the likes of James Ryan and Ross Molony as the future - and rightly so, with both men having stellar careers themselves - but Beirne usurped them both.

The amount of heroic shifts he has put in, when it truly mattered, is frightening.

Second row - Paul O'Connell

The greatest Munster player of all-time? Probably.

An old-school legend, who dominated in the modern game.

The obvious choice for the captaincy of this hypothetical side.

Blindside flanker - Seán O'Brien

Of all the great flankers produced in the last 26 years, O'Brien was the most impactful when fit and at his best.

He could singlehandedly change games with his influence on both sides of the ball.

Openside flanker - David Wallace

One of the most underrated players of this century, particularly outside of Ireland.

It's a very tight call between himself and Peter O'Mahony.

Number eight - Jamie Heaslip

Caelan Doris will hopefully take the crown by the time he finishes his already-illustrious career.

However, Heaslip remains the obvious choice, with a shout-out to Anthony Foley and CJ Stander as well.

Scrum-half - Conor Murray

Two seasons ago, this would have been a straightforward choice, but the performances of Jamison Gibson-Park has given his Munster rival genuine competition.

He still has a small bit to go, however, to get on the level of Murray, who, with his physicality, kicking, and brain, revolutionised the his club's and national side's attack.

Out-half - Johnny Sexton

When you think of legends of Munster and Leinster, Ronan O'Gara might be the first name that comes to mind.

But he was eclipsed on the field by the younger Sexton, who is seen by many as the greatest Irish player ever.

Left wing - James Lowe

Keith Earls and Shane Horgan may have qualms have here, and rightfully so, but Lowe's combined ability to score a create was a level above.

We may never see the likes of his offloading on these shores again.

Inside centre - Robbie Henshaw

This is harsh on Gordon D'Arcy, and might be tinged with recency bias.

Nonetheless, the relentless play-style of Henshaw was hard to ignore.

Outside centre - Brian O'Driscoll

The first name on the teamsheet.

Revered in both provinces, and around the world.

Right wing - Doug Howlett

One of the finest foreign imports from any of the provinces.

It really was incredible that Munster were able to sign one of the all-time greats while still in their prime.

Fullback - Isa Nacewa

And now the finest import Ireland has seen.

Ball-handling, brains, kicking, finishing ability; the New Zealander had everything.