Munster Assess Players Ahead Of Crunch Trip To Glasgow

Today saw Munster players gather in their respective centres in Cork and Limerick ahead of the first squad session of the week tomorrow as the focus now switches to next Friday’s GUINNESS PRO12 round 15 fixture away to Glasgow Warriors in Rugby Park, Kilmarnock (kick-off 7.35pm).

Having sustained a rib injury in training last Friday, Dave O’Callaghan was withdrawn from yesterday’s matchday squad against the Ospreys and will continue to be assessed by Munster medical staff this week.

Francis Saili sustained a suspected concussion in the closing minutes of yesterday’s game and will be assessed by the medical team for the next 48 hours before starting the return-to-play protocols.

Denis Hurley (calf) has now returned to full training and there was positive news also for Stephen Archer, with the prop expected to progress to modified scrummaging this week.

Tyler Bleyendaal (quad), Duncan Casey (pec), BJ Botha (knee) and Peter O’Mahony (knee) all continue with their respective rehabilitation programmes.

In a repeat of last season’s GUINNESS PRO12 final, Munster head coach Anthony Foley will name his side to face reigning champions Glasgow at midday on Thursday.

A total of five Munster players lined out for Ireland in their 10-9 loss to France at the Stade de France in round 2 of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations. Conor Murray and CJ Stander started at scrum half and blindside flanker respectively, with James Cronin, Donnacha Ryan and Tommy O’Donnell all featuring from the bench.

Elsewhere, in a quiet weekend of Ulster Bank League action for the Munster clubs, the Academy’s Gearoid Lyons and Ben Kilkenny were among the try scorers for Young Munster as the Cookies ran out deserved 29-13 winners at home to Galwegians. 

Munster’s next home match is against the Newport Gwent Dragons at Thomond Park in round 17 of the PRO12 on Saturday, March 5 (kick-off 7:35pm).

Munster v Dragons tickets – priced at €;15 (adults), €;30 (families) and €;7 (juniors) – can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby ticket offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.