Munster Switch Focus Back To Final Rounds Of PRO12

The Munster squad regrouped at the High Performance Centre in UL yesterday as they switch their focus to the final two rounds of GUINNESS PRO12 action where they hope to secure a home semi-final at Thomond Park on Saturday, May 20 (kick-off 6.15pm).

Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, captain Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Conway and Tommy O’Donnell will not take part in training this week as they all follow a workload management programme.

Rory Scannell will follow the return-to-play protocols after sustaining a concussion in last Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final loss to Saracens. Jean Deysel (ribs) continues to be assessed by the medical team and will not be available for this weekend’s PRO12 match against Benetton Treviso.

Conor Murray continues to be monitored for a shoulder injury and remains a doubt for the round 21 fixture, while Robin Copeland, who sustained a shoulder injury during the Munster ‘A’ team’s British & Irish Cup final triumph over Jersey Reds, requires further medical assessment.

Jean Kleyn (neck), Dave Foley (wrist), Sean McCarthy (knee) and Mike Sherry (back) are all continuing to rehab their respective injuries.

Meanwhile, a number of Munster’s contracted players lined out in the Ulster Bank League last weekend. Academy players Shane Daly, Ned Hodson, Liam O’Connor, Vincent O’Brien and Rory Burke helped Cork Constitution to a gripping 19-16 semi final victory on the Aviva Stadium’s back pitch, setting up a Division 1A final rematch with Clontarf in the stadium proper in two weeks’ time.

Academy duo Calvin Nash and Fineen Wycherley endured a tougher afternoon with Young Munster who suffered their third league semi-final reversal in as many years as defending champions Clontarf proved too strong at Castle Avenue, winning 37-29.

Academy members JP Phelan, Sean O’Connor and Steven McMahon helped Garryowen to a 41-19 Division 1B promotion/relegation play-off win over Old Wesley at Dooradoyle. O’Connor and McMahon both crossed for tries.

Consequently, the Division 1B promotion/relegation play-off final will be an all-Limerick affair Munster-capped scrum half Angus Lloyd and UL Bohemians ran out 19-17 winners over Naas at Forenaughts.