Munster Step Up Preparations For Cardiff Match
Munster trained in the spring sunshine in UL today as preparations continue for the rescheduled GUINNESS PRO12 round 12 fixture away to Cardiff Blues on Friday night (kick-off 7.15pm), while Munster’s Dave Kilcoyne and the uncapped Andrew Conway have been added to the Ireland training squad.
On the injury front, Mark Chisholm (concussion) continues to follow the return-to-play protocols, while Billy Holland (also concussion) is now in the final stages of his return-to-play. Both players will be assessed as the week progresses as will Tomas O’Leary (groin) who took part in modified training today.
It has been confirmed that Kevin O’Byrne sustained some bone bruising in the knee and a calf tear while in action with UL Bohs. The hooker will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks.
On a more positive note, Ronan O’Mahony (hamstring) trained fully last Friday and today and is in line for selection this week with Duncan Casey (pec) now taking part in modified scrums and modified contact training.
Denis Hurley (calf), Tyler Bleyendaal (quad), Peter O’Mahony and BJ Botha (both ACL) all continue with their respective rehab programmes.
Today also saw Dave Kilcoyne and the uncapped Andrew Conway called into the Ireland training squad for the final round of the RBS 6 Nations. The duo join their Munster team-mates Dave Foley, Tommy O’Donnell, Jack O’Donoghue (also uncapped), Donnacha Ryan, CJ Stander, Keith Earls, Conor Murray and Simon Zebo in the Irish set-up.
On the club front, the Munster Academy’s Ned Hodson, Ryan Foley, Tomas Quinlan, Rory Burke and Liam O’Connor were all included in the matchday squad for Cork Constitution as they recorded an exciting 30-20 win over a game Nenagh Ormond side at Temple Hill in the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup. Quinlan kicked six penalties and one conversion for the hosts.