Copeland Out For Remainder Of Season

After meeting with the specialist yesterday it was confirmed that Robin Copeland requires a shoulder stabilisation procedure, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

The back row forward sustained the injury in Munster’s Guinness PRO12 encounter against Leinster on St. Stephen’s Day and since then has been unable to line out for the province.

There was better news today for Andrew Smith (knee) and CJ Stander (ankle). Both will make a return to full training at different stages this week and will continue to have their progress reviewed.

Johne Murphy (hand) resumes contact training this week, with long-term rehabber Cian Bohane (knee) advancing to on-pitch running.

Donnacha Ryan is another who continues to progress having made a return to modified scrummaging (3 man scrums). His development will be monitored at this level before advancing to the next stage.

Meanwhile Dave Kilcoyne (knee) and Luke O’Dea (hand) reported no ill effects following their return to action on Saturday night against Cardiff Blues in Irish Independent Park. O’Dea’s start on the right wing marked his first senior appearance of the season – playing 66 minutes – while Kilcoyne saw 31 minutes from the bench.