Squad Update

Dave O’Callaghan will undergo surgery today after a specialist confirmed yesterday that the Cork man injured the patellar tendon in his right knee against Zebre on Saturday.

Following the surgery, the 24-year-old will rehab for the immediate future.

Duncan Casey, who also had to be withdrawn from the Musgrave Park clash, has a dead leg and will be monitored as the week continues.

Ivan Dineen played 80 minutes for Cork Con at the weekend as he made his return from an ankle injury sustained while playing for Munster A against Nottingham last month.

Paddy Butler returns to full training this week after injuring his neck playing for Shannon against Blackrock College in January.

Damien Varley is back conditioning and rehab running and is expecting to take part in full training next week. Varley continues to follow the IRB return-to-play protocols after suffering from delayed concussion following the Heineken Cup game against Edinburgh.

Luke O’Dea will take part in limited training this week after suffering a lateral ligament sprain playing for Munster A against Connacht Eagles.

Keith Earls, who injured his knee against Edinburgh last month, is progressing well with his rehab and Niall Scannell is a week into his rehabilitation programme after hyper-extending his elbow in training, an injury that rules him out for up to 8 weeks.

Longer-term injury absentees Mike Sherry and Niall Ronan are continuing with their rehabilitation programmes.