Botha To Miss Start Of Season

Munster have confirmed that BJ Botha will be sidelined for up to a month, after sustaining a calf injury during last Friday’s pre-season clash with London Wasps.

BJ Botha was forced to retire in the 28th minute of the Musgrave Park tie and a subsequent medical examination confirmed he had suffered a calf tear.

The injury will see the South African prop miss Munster’s opening games in the RaboDirect PRO12 campaign, which begins against the Newport Gwent Dragons in Cork on Saturday, September 3.

There is better news for number 8 James Coughlan. He was taken off with an eye injury during the friendly match against Wasps, but has been given the all-clear.

He is in the mix for this Friday’s clash with London Irish at Thomond Park, as is scrum half Tomas O’Leary who trained with the squad this morning after missing out on a World Cup place.

Darragh Hurley (Achilles) and the Development-contracted Troy Smith (cruciate) will not be considered for that game.

Johne Murphy, who damaged a hamstring playing for the Ireland Select XV last Thursday is also currently sidelined, but expects to be back in time for consideration for the league opener.

Munster face a busy weekend with the friendly fixture with London Irish preceded by the ‘A’ game between Munster and Connacht. For the Thomond Park double header, tickets for the senior match will be valid for the ‘A’ game.