The Munster squad gathered at the University of Limerick today as preparations commenced for the GUINNESS PRO12 round 22 match against Connacht in Thomond Park next Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm).
The province’s bonus point victory over Benetton Treviso came at a price when Ronan O’Mahony and Dave O’Callaghan were forced to retire with injuries during the opening 20 minutes.
The Munster medical team have confirmed that winger O’Mahony fractured his fibula, while back rower O’Callaghan is awaiting scan results for a knee injury.
Billy Holland, who was a late withdrawal before last Saturday’s game in Italy due to illness, will not take part in training today. John Ryan will also sit out the session due to illness.
Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said: “Ronan is definitely out for a while with a broken leg, so he will be out definitely for the rest of the season. Dave will be going for a scan today, but I think we can be quite sure he will be also out. There might be a miracle, but I think he is also pretty serious, it will be a while.”
Following further medical review, it has been confirmed that Robin Copeland dislocated his shoulder when playing for Munster ‘A’ in the British & Irish Cup final and will undergo surgery this week.
Jean Deysel, who sustained a rib injury during the Champions Cup semi-final, continues to be monitored and it is hoped the South African will take part in training as the week continues. Rory Scannell, who sustained a concussion during the same encounter, continues to follow the return-to-play protocols.
On a positive front, Conor Murray is progressing with his shoulder rehabilitation as he continues to be assessed by the province’s medical team. Jean Kleyn (neck), Dave Foley (wrist), Sean McCarthy (knee) and Mike Sherry (back) are also continuing to rehab their respective injuries.
Erasmus admitted: “I think maybe Conor is conscious of that (closeness to the Lions tour) but he hasn’t been saying anything along those lines. I think it would be normal if he felt that way, it only comes around every four years but also you can’t be stupid. After this Lions series his rugby career is not over, you know, he’s got another few years to go.
“So, obviously that plays a role but that won’t rush him back. If we didn’t rush him back for the (Champions Cup) semi-final in Ireland, why would we now rush him back all of a sudden? It’s bad timing, like for Ronan O’Mahony to miss out now, to break a leg now just before a PRO12 semi-final and Connacht still to play.
“That’s just the way things go and I’m sure there will be other Lions players who will still get injured before the tour. That’s there, but we haven’t spoken about that.
“Every week Conor contributes more in training sessions and he is doing more and more and more. And he has been ticking all the boxes, much slower than we hoped to, but he is ticking the boxes. Hopefully this week he gets to the end of the week and we can actually select him. So there is a chance, there is a chance.”
Munster v Connacht tickets can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park, or by calling 061 421103.
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