Squad Update

The Munster squad gathered for training in UL today, as Anthony Foley’s men began preparations for Friday night’s Guinness PRO12 encounter at home to Zebre in Thomond Park.

Following on from the announcement that hooker Eusebio Guinazu will join the province on a short-term four month contract, it’s been confirmed that the Argentinian has secured a work permit and is currently making final travel arrangements. However, Guinazu will not be available for selection this weekend.

Following a physical encounter away to Treviso on Friday night, medical staff were happy to report a clean bill of health with no serious injury concerns. Munster are also boosted by the news that the final group of returning internationals remain on course to line out this weekend.

Paul O’Connell, Dave Kilcoyne and Conor Murray are all in contention for selection this Friday night, as is Emerging Ireland tourist JJ Hanrahan.

In the domestic game, Munster back-rowers Shane Buckley and Barry O’Mahony lined out for Garryowen in their comprehensive 21-3 win over Shannon in Division 1B of the AIL on Saturday. Buckley, last season’s Munster Academy Player of the Year was the first to cross the try-line for Garryowen.

Meanwhile, Denis Hurley featured for Dolphin as the Cork side travelled to Lansdowne in Division 1A also on Saturday. An opener to forget for the Cork-men, with former Munster winger/out-half Scott Deasy pulling the strings for Lansdowne in their 37-6 bonus point win.

On the injury front centre Cian Bohane underwent a successful surgery on Saturday after sustaining a knee injury in pre-season action against London Irish at the Waterford RSC. The injury will keep the Corkman sidelined for the next six to nine months.

Hooker Niall Scannell continues to rehab a fractured wrist picked up during pre-season, with fellow hooker Damien Varley progressing well with his foot injury.

Munster squad captain Peter O’Mahony is making good progress and has resumed some light contact, while wingers Keith Earls, Luke O’Dea and Gerhard van den Heever (all knee) have progressed to running in training.