Zebo And O’Byrne Are Munster’s Only Injury Concerns

Director of rugby Rassie Erasmus met with media today to preview Munster’s first home match of the competitive season where they welcome Cardiff Blues to Irish Independent Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

Simon Zebo and Kevin O’Byrne have emerged as the only injury concerns after the 23-13 win over the Scarlets in Wales. Zebo and O’Byrne are both undergoing scans today to assess the full extent of their respective rib and elbow complaints.

Undergoing a scan for a neck injury last week, Stephen Archer will continue to be monitored by the province’s medial staff for the next two to three weeks.

There was better news for Alex Wootton (hyper-extension of knee) and David Johnston (ankle), both of whom took a full part in training today.

Peter O’Mahony (knee), Sam Arnold (knee), Mark Chisholm (concussion), Sean McCarthy (knee), Francis Saili (shoulder) and Mike Sherry (back) all continue to follow their respective rehab programmes.

Meanwhile, following the return of internationals Dave Kilcoyne and Donnacha Ryan against the Scarlets, Rassie Erasmus confirmed that CJ Stander is the next international player in line for a return to provincial action. The back rower will be available for selection this weekend.

In other news, the Munster squad have today commenced moving into their new High Performance Centre at UL. Located adjacent to the existing UL Arena, the €;9.5m centre incorporates cutting edge training facilities including weight rooms, medical and physiotherapy treatment rooms, offices, audio visual suites, meeting rooms and a lecture theatre. 

The centre also houses the Greencore Munster Academy and North Munster Domestic Game operations. Munster Rugby administration and South Munster Domestic Game operations continue to be based in Cork.

Munster will hope to continue their winning ways in Cork this week when they welcome Cardiff Blues to Irish Independent Park for round 2 of the GUINNESS PRO12 on Friday at 7.35pm. Kick off your weekend by cheering on Munster under ‘Friday Night Lights’!

Adult tickets from €;20 and Family tickets from €;40 (two adults & two 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.

Tickets can also be bought as part of match packs – select a minimum of three games and save 10% across the cost of all tickets. Click here to start building your match pack now.