Munster Issue Update On Injured Players

The Munster squad returned to training at the University of Limerick today, ahead of next week’s RaboDirect PRO12 match against Cardiff Blues at Thomond Park.

The Munster players who featured for the O2 Ireland Wolfhounds have been given an extra few days off and will resume training on Friday.

With no game this weekend, the players will mostly be undergoing fitness testing and conditioning games/programmes will be taking place.

On the injury front, Paddy Butler was stretchered off playing for Shannon at the weekend with a suspected neck injury, but a serious injury has been ruled out and Butler will continue to be monitored by the Munster medical staff.

Luke O’Dea has started to resume limited training – non-contact initially – as he continues to recover from the broken thumb injury he sustained playing for Munster ‘A’ away to Plymouth Albion last month.

Sean Dougall, who sprained an ankle against Connacht last month, and Cathal Sheridan, who injured his knee at Ravenhill in recent weeks, are both taking part in rehab running.

Academy player Johnny Holland is expected to return to non-contact training at the end of the week after hurting his ribs in the Munster ‘A’ team’s win over Stirling County 10 days ago.

Donnacha Ryan, Keith Earls and Ivan Dineen will continue with their rehabilitation programmes, with the Ireland international duo recovering from knee injuries and Dineen currently sidelined by an ankle sprain.

Long-term absentees Mike Sherry (knee/shoulder) and Niall Ronan (knee) also continue to follow their programmes.