Munster Delay Squad Announcement

Munster have delayed naming their squad for Saturday’s Magners League semi-final clash with Leinster at the RDS (kick-off 8pm), as they await progress reports on players recovering from injury.

Munster’s resources will be further tested as they also get ready for the inaugural British & Irish Cup final that takes place less than 24 hours later in Camborne, Cornwall against Cornish Pirates.

Team captain Paul O’Connell (groin) and winger Ian Dowling (knee) have both been ruled out of the Leinster game, but Mick O’Driscoll and Doug Howlett took a full part in Tuesday’s training session at the University of Limerick.

Keith Earls, who has been nursing a groin strain, did not train but has not been ruled out of contention for a place in Saturday’s side.

Hooker Jerry Flannery came through unscathed with a decision on him expected later in the week.

“Everyone who was missing at this stage last week is still under suspicion,” said Munster coach Tony McGahan.

“We’re hopeful Jerry Flannery, Mick O’Driscoll, Doug Howlett and Keith Earls will be okay. Keith didn’t train (today) and, in fact, has been on limited training ever since the Six Nations.

“He can’t train for long periods before games and we need to be very selective. He’ll have a run-out and we’ll get a reading on him for Thursday.

“Micko worked today although at a very slow pace and we also hope to get a clearer picture of him over the next couple of days.”

Meanwhile, Munster have released a statement, giving a clearer picture on their skipper O’Connell’s recovery from a groin injury.

“Contrary to recent media reports, Paul O’Connell did not undergo surgery earlier this week,” it read.

“O’Connell was admitted to hospital in Cork in order to facilitate the application of antibiotics for an infection related to his groin injury.”