Fogarty And Horan Included In Munster Squad

A first ever Magners League assignment in Italy is what Munster face as they resume their campaign with the game against Benetton Treviso on Sunday at Stadio Comunale di Monigo.

Despite the absence of their frontline players who are either involved with Ireland or on the injury list, Munster still travel with an experienced squad.

Amongst the panel are Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Mick O’Driscoll and Donnacha Ryan, who spent the week training with the Ireland RBS 6 Nations squad in Dublin.

Prior to this week, the quartet were involved with the O2 Ireland Wolfhounds for the previous fortnight and it remains to be seen whether Tony McGahan will consider them from the off or not against a Treviso side that is not as badly affected by Six Nations call-ups.

Back in the extended Munster squad after a prolonged bout of injury is hooker Denis Fogarty whose last game was against the Ospreys in September.

Marcus Horan is also in contention despite missing Shannon’s game against St. Mary’s College with a slight neck injury. Fellow prop Dave Ryan, who injured his shoulder against Connacht in December, is another welcome inclusion.

Benetton Treviso have six wins under their belts, five of those at home and their victims include Leinster, Connacht, the Scarlets and the Newport Gwent Dragons.

MUNSTER Squad (v Benetton Treviso) – Backs (13): Scott Deasy, Denis Hurley, Danny Barnes, Johne Murphy, Doug Howlett (capt), Simon Zebo, Tom Gleeson, Lifeimi Mafi, Sam Tuitupou, Duncan Williams, Peter Stringer, Declan Cusack, Paul Warwick.

Forwards (17): Darragh Hurley, Dave Ryan, Peter Borlase, Marcus Horan, Denis Fogarty, Wian du Preez, Stephen Archer, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Ian Nagle, Mick O’Driscoll, Dave Foley, Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland, Tommy O’Donnell, James Coughlan, Paddy Butler..