O’Callaghan, O’Gara Back For Munster
Munster have included 2005 Lions Donncha O’Callaghan and Ronan O’Gara in a 24-man squad for Saturday’s Celtic League trip to Glasgow.
Ronan O’Gara in Celtic League action last year
Munster have included 2005 Lions Donncha O’Callaghan and Ronan O’Gara in a 24-man squad for Saturday’s Celtic League trip to Glasgow.
CELTIC LEAGUE: Saturday, September 17
Glasgow Warriors v Munster, Hughenden, kick-off 7.30pm
The duo have been released by Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan a week ahead of the planned return for Lions players, who came off the summer’s Test series 3-0 to New Zealand.
O’Gara’s inclusion means New Zealand-born youngster Jeremy Manning drops out of the squad, while in the forwards, John O’Sullivan, Denis Fogarty and stand-in captain Stephen Keogh are unfortunate to miss out.
Both O’Callaghan and O’Gara have not played since the Lions’ 38-19 third Test loss to the All Blacks in Auckland on July 9.
Shannon prop Tony Buckley has also recovered from a viral infection to come into contention for a starting place.
A victory for Declan Kidney’s side would mark an eighth straight win for the province in all competitions.
Munster beat the Scots twice last season on the way to finishing as runners-up – a last-minute O’Gara drop goal was needed to beat Glasgow 28-26 at Hughenden in October, while February saw Munster run out 25-19 winners at Thomond Park.
Glasgow will confirm their starting XV on Friday.
Glasgow Squad: tbc
MUNSTER Squad: Forwards: Federico Pucciariello, Marcus Horan, Frank Roche, Tony Buckley, Frank Sheahan, Jerry Flannery, Mick O’Driscoll, Trevor Hogan, Donncha O’Callaghan, Denis Leamy, Alan Quinlan, David Wallace, Anthony Foley (Capt).
Backs: Peter Stringer, Mike Prendergast, Frank Murphy, Paul Burke, Ronan O’Gara, Anthony Horgan, Rob Henderson, Trevor Halstead, Brian Murphy, John Kelly, Shaun Payne.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)