This week’s GUINNESS PRO12 semi-final preparations commenced for Munster with an overnight training camp in Limerick which culminated in this morning’s squad pitch session under rain, hail and sunshine at Thomond Park.
Simon Zebo and Duncan Casey, who were both suffering from mild back issues, took part in modified training programmes today and are expected to take a full part in Thursday’s training session, while James Cronin (knee) and Kevin O’Byrne (neck) made a return to full training this morning.
Munster captain Peter O’Mahony (hip) was also in attendance at the session and worked with head physio Shea McAleer in following a tailored rehab programme.
Meeting with members of the media after training, the province’s head coach Anthony Foley was open to seeing how all players progressed for the week with the final pitch session taking place on Thursday.
“We will know more about each of them on Thursday. With Peter, it’s more about running and making sure that he is comfortable doing that before we engage him any further in scrummaging or wrestling or anything on Thursday to see is he fully fit,” explained Foley.
“It’s hard, judging by the character of the fella that we all know. He just wants to play. He is the captain of the side and we all want him to get there but if it is not right, he will not be taking the field.
“But we will give him every opportunity to get in for the semi-final because he is a big player, he is one of our internationals. He is the captain so we will give him every opportunity.”
On winger Zebo’s fitness, he added: “Yeah, he is a lot fresher. Obviously the back spasms have calmed down and hopefully he was moving pretty free today, but we just need to finish off his return-to-play protocols which will involve a certain amount of contact on Thursday.”
Mike Sherry (shoulder) is progressing well with his return to full training and next will advance to the final stages of his return-to-contact rehabilitation.
Tommy O’Donnell (hamstring), Dave O’Callaghan (knee), Gerhard van den Heever (knee), Robin Copeland (shoulder), Cian Bohane (knee), Johnny Holland (hamstring) and Shane Buckley (shoulder) all continue to follow their rehabilitation programmes.
Help turn Munster’s #HomeRun into a #FieldOfDreams at Thomond Park this Saturday for the GUINNESS PRO12 semi-final. You can be there from just €;20 for adults with great value family terrace packs also available from just €;40.
Purchase tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.
Meanwhile, a package of 20 junior tickets and 5 adult tickets is available for the game for just €;100. Should your local youth groups, club or school, etc. be interested in availing of this offer, please contact the Munster Rugby Ticket Office on 061-421103 or by emailing tickets@munsterrugby.ie. These tickets are subject to availability, so do not delay! They are located in the terraces at Thomond Park.
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