Squad Update

Munster trained in Irish Independent Park today ahead of Saturday’s Guinness PRO12 clash with Benetton Treviso – KO 3.05pm.

While the majority of the squad have previously trained or played at Irish Independent Park this season, today’s field session gave a number of recently returned internationals the chance to get accustomed with their newly refurbished facility.

Should Tommy O’Donnell make his first appearance of the season on Leeside this weekend, the 27 year old will win his 100^th cap for the province having also made his debut in Cork, at the old Musgrave Park against Scarlets in September of 2007.

On the injury front, Paddy Butler received a dead leg while warming up for Munster A against the Ulster Ravens at Banbridge RFC last week, causing him to withdraw from the game prior to kick-off.

Ivan Dineen was another late withdrawal from the interprovincial as he continues to manage a knee injury.

There was better news for Cathal Sheridan who continues to build his match fitness post-injury. The scrum-half suffered no ill-effects from a 55 minute appearance against the Ravens, with Donnacha Ryan playing his first 80 minutes since returning from a foot injury.

Kevin O’Byrne, Denis Hurley and Paul O’Connell, all of whom suffered knocks against Edinburgh, did not take part in training today. O’Byrne is awaiting the results of a scan on a neck injury, while Hurley (hamstring) and O’Connell (bang to shoulder) will be reassessed following the second squad session later this week.

Tyler Bleyendaal played a full part in training and will meet with a specialist tomorrow for a further update on his prolapsed disc.

Barry O'Mahony, Johnny Holland, Cian Bohane, Robin Copeland, Dave Foley, Gerhard van den Heever, Mike Sherry, Alan Cotter and Martin Kelly all continue to follow their rehabilitation programmes.

Following training today, 25 members of the Munster squad brought smiles to faces of children, parents and staff at the children’s ward of Cork University Hospital. The players visited the ward, signed autographs, posed for photos and shared some tales with the kids. Always one of the most rewarding experiences on the players’ schedule, they are each year visibly moved by the care and attention of the devoted staff and the cheerful attitude of the children themselves, despite their illness. Today’s visit followed on from last year’s visit to Limerick Regional Hospital.

Meanwhile in club action, Greencore Munster Academy player Darren Sweetnam played a decisive role in helping Cork Constitution retain the Bateman Cup for the third year running over the weekend. The winger/full-back who will progress to a Development contract at the beginning of next season ran in Con’s third try just two minutes from time, securing their grasp on the Bateman Cup for another year. Sub-academy player Tomás Quinlan was on hand to land the final conversion also.

Follow the #HomeRun and be there to show your support as Munster continue their bid for play-off qualification this Saturday, against Benetton Treviso at Irish Independent Park – KO 3.05pm.

Tickets from just €;15 for Adults and €;30 for Families (2 adults & 2 kids) can be purchased online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park and Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.