Sherry And Bleyendaal Due To Return To Full Training

Preparations are now underway for Munster’s GUINNESS PRO12 trip to the Newport Gwent Dragons next Sunday. With an eight-day turnaround, Anthony Foley’s men will gather in Limerick on Wednesday for the first squad session of the week.

Along with the usual bumps and bruises from last Saturday’s derby defeat to Connacht at Thomond Park, BJ Botha suffered concussion and was replaced at half time. The tighthead prop will follow the return-to-play protocols this week.

Ireland international Conor Murray continues to manage bone bruising in his foot and his progress will monitored as the week continues.

It is envisaged that both Mike Sherry (knee) and Tyler Bleyendaal (quad) will return to full training this week as the focus switches to the round 9 date with the Dragons.

Tommy O’Donnell (hip) continues to progress with his rehab running, while squad captain Peter O’Mahony (knee), Duncan Casey (pectoral muscle), Peter McCabe (pectoral muscle), Stephen Archer (neck) and Johnny Holland (hamstring) all continue with their respective rehabilitation programmes.

The past weekend also saw a number of Munster’s senior and Academy players line out for their respective clubs in the Ulster Bank League

Young Munster travelled to Lakelands Park where the Academy’s Dan Goggin, Gearoid Lyons and Ben Kilkenny helped the visitors to a 26-8 win over Terenure College. Lyons and Kilkenny were among the try scorers with Lyons also kicking two conversions and three penalties.

Ronan O’Mahony and Shane Buckley (pictured above) lined out for Garryowen alongside the Academy’s Conor Oliver, Steve McMahon and Bill Johnston. The Limerick side welcomed UCD to Dooradoyle, however it was the hosts who suffered a 13-6 defeat with former Academy and Garryowen scrum half Jamie Glynn sealing the win for the students with a late try.

Cian Bohane travelled with Dolphin to Coonagh where the Cork outfit went down 30-19 to Shannon who were bolstered by strong Academy representation from Stephen Fitzgerald, Niall Horan, Ollie Lyons and Sean McCarthy.

A late try from Darren Sweetnam and points from the boot of Academy play-maker Tomas Quinlan helped Cork Constitution to a losing bonus point away to Old Belvedere in a game that also featured Academy players Liam O’Connor, Rory Burke and Ryan Foley.

Finally, Cathal Sheridan took to the field for UL Bohemians in their 15-6 loss away to Ballymena, while Matt D’Arcy lined out for Clontarf RFC as the north Dubliners played out a 23-all draw with Lansdowne.