Foley Has Some Welcome Selection Headaches

The Munster squad gathered in Cork on Tuesday, enjoying the warmer than usual sunny conditions as they continue their preparations for Saturday’s GUINNESS PRO12 game against Edinburgh at BT Murrayfield (kick-off 7.30pm).

Bolstered by a few returning fit bodies, Munster head coach Anthony Foley has some welcome selection headaches ahead of him in picking the side that will travel to Edinburgh this weekend.

After sustaining a concussion in the recent ‘A’ match in Nenagh, Donnacha Ryan has successfully come through his return-to-play protocols, training fully today. He is available for selection this week, as are all of the returning Ireland internationals.

Further assessment ruled out any injury concern for Dave O’Callaghan after he sustained some bruising to his hand in the warm-up to Munster’s PRO12 derby victory over Connacht.

On a further positive note, prop James Cronin (knee) is showing no ill-effects after his 40 minutes of game-time for the Munster A side against Connacht Eagles last Thursday, and there is good news also for Cathal Sheridan (forearm) as he advances to contact training this week, moving closer to a return to action.

Hooker Mike Sherry (shoulder) has progressed with his rehabilitation, partaking in falling and passing drills, while Tyler Bleyendaal has also stepped up his levels of inclusion and continues to progress well.

Academy player Jack O’Donoghue sustained a concussion in the ‘A’ fixture against Connacht Eagles and is following the return-to-play protocols.

Barry O’Mahony (ankle), Johnny Holland (hamstring), Cian Bohane (knee), Robin Copeland (shoulder), Dave Foley (wrist) and Gerhard van den Heever (knee) all continue to follow their rehabilitation programmes.

Foley made the most of Munster’s match-free weekend and travelled to London on Sunday to watch Edinburgh’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final against London Irish.

“I was over in London on Sunday to see them play and saw the physicality and intensity that they bring to the game. Even when they make changes that doesn’t drop off and they have a strong squad, full of depth, and will be tough to play at home,” he said.

“We understand what’s ahead of us, but the lads need to hit the ground running on Saturday and it’s important we just keep our performance in mind, do the job on the day, and prepare the best way possible for it.”