Stephen Archer is set to become the 11th player to reach the 200-cap milestone for Munster if selected to face Edinburgh at Irish Independent Park on Friday night (7.35pm).

Stephen Archer is set to become the 11th player to reach the 200-cap milestone for Munster if selected to face Edinburgh at Irish Independent Park on Friday night (7.35pm).

A hugely popular Munster man, Archer will join an illustrious group of 11 players to have reached the landmark.

Archie has been a vital member of the Munster squad since making his debut against Friday night’s opponents Edinburgh 10 years ago at Murrayfield in October 2009.

Last season he made more appearances for the province than any other player, featuring in 29 of Munster’s 32 outings.

A Cork native and product of the Munster Rugby Academy, Archer featured with the Ireland U20s before securing a development contract for season 2010/11 and moved on to a senior contract at the start of season 2011/12.

His first Heineken Cup appearance was off the bench against Castres in Thomond Park in January 2012, and he then went on to start for Ireland A against England in Sandy Park.

His first Irish senior cap came as a replacement against Italy in the 2013 Six Nations in Rome, with his second against Australia in the 2013 Guinness Series.

He was part of the Emerging Ireland squad that won the 2015 Tblisi Cup in Georgia and won his 100th Munster cap against Dragons in March 2016.

The following season he featured in Munster A’s successful B&I Cup winning campaign in 2016/17.

Speaking about his career to date, Archer said: “It’s been a really good journey so far. My first cap was actually against Edinburgh in Murrayfield in 2009, I was delighted to make my debut. Unfortunately, we lost the game, but I was proud as punch after it. There’s been lots more since, so it has been great. I’ve really enjoyed my career since and I’m looking forward to the game on Friday.

“It’s gone by really fast. There’s been ups and downs, lots of good days, and lots of bad days. I suppose making my first European start and some of the great victories along the way have been highlights, but there’s not been enough silverware. Hopefully there’s time in the next few years. I remember coming back after getting a neck injury and coming back for my 100th cap – I was so happy to be back playing, that was a standout moment.

“It’s a really proud moment for me to reach 200 caps.”

Munster’s 200 Club

1. Donncha O’Callaghan (268)

2. Ronan O’Gara (240)

3. Peter Stringer (232)

4. Marcus Horan (224)

5. Billy Holland (219, and counting!)

6. John Hayes (217)

7. Alan Quinlan (212)

8. Mick O’Driscoll (207)

9. David Wallace (203)

10. Anthony Foley (201)

11. Stephen Archer (200)

Two In A Row At Home – Tickets

Friday, November 29

GUINNESS PRO14: Munster v Edinburgh, Irish Independent Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

Saturday, December 7

CHAMPIONS CUP: Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here