Injury Update

Wingers Andrew Conway and Gerhard van den Heever both returned from injury on Saturday night against Scarlets, with Conway (knee) playing the full 80 while Van den Heever (hand) lined out for his first home start, and played close to 60 minutes of rugby.

Duncan Casey, Dave O’Callaghan and Tommy O’Donnell, who all suffered from collisions on the night, did not take part in training today and continue to follow standard return to play protocols.

The news of BJ Botha (right knee) remains hopeful, with the South African prop not suffering any additional discomfort after Saturday’s victory. He did not train today and will continue to be monitored as the week develops but Head Coach Rob Penney has ruled him out of consideration for Friday night’s encounter against Connacht.

Six Munster players travelled to Kildare for this week’s National training camp including Conor Murray who will continue with his knee rehabilitation while there. Donnacha Ryan is also in attendance but is being rested for the immediate future after sustaining a swollen knee after training last Thursday. For precautionary measures he met with the specialist and underwent a scan to rule out any new injury concerns but will continue to be monitored for now. Peter O’Mahony, Paul O’Connell, Dave Kilcoyne and Keith Earls are all involved in Carton House.

Paddy Butler (right thumb) returned to full training today and Simon Zebo (foot) continues with his own rehabilitation running. Ian Keatley (hip/dead leg) returned to limited training after being rested last week and Damien Varley who was a late withdrawal from the Scarlet’s match due to illness is continuing with his recovery but is expected to train later in the week.

Niall Ronan who underwent a knee scope last Friday required cartilage repair work and has been ruled out for approximately 4 to 6 months. Niall sustained a knee sprain at training in November and met with the specialist on a number of occasions. Following a final review it was confirmed he was not progressing as well as hoped and required the knee scope surgery.

Mike Sherry is resting his left knee after a successful operation last Friday and Luke O’Dea (thumb) continues with his rehab work.