The Munster flanker was banned for 12 weeks for making contact with the eye area of Leinster skipper Leo Cullen during a Heineken Cup semi-final at Croke Park on May 1.

The ban cost him a place in the British and Irish Lions for the summer tour to South Africa.

John Hayes, who comes into the front row in place of Tony Buckley, will also make his seasonal debut for the reigning Magners League champions.

Quinlan said: “I’m delighted to be pulling on that Munster shirt again.

“Pre-season has gone really well and I feel in good shape but its a big step up from training, a game like this and particularly when it's against a quality side like Cardiff. But nevertheless I can’t wait to get out on the pitch.”