Squad Update

With PRO12 play-off qualification now secured, Munster today began preparations for the challenge of Ulster at the Kingspan Stadium on May 9th as Anthony Foley’s men now set their sights on a home semi-final.

Saturday’s bruising encounter against Benetton Treviso in Irish Independent Park saw Donnacha Ryan make his first PRO12 start since returning from injury. Despite leaving the field with a blood injury on 28 minutes, the second row returned to see out his first full-80 of the season.

Felix Jones was an early withdrawal from Saturday’s encounter – the full-back left the field for a HIA (Head Injury Assessment) on 51 minutes and will be further assessed this week.

The 2015 Munster Rugby Awards, in association with the Irish Independent, take place this Thursday at the Maryborough Hotel in Cork. In total, eleven diverse categories will be honoured at the awards, ranging from Munster Rugby Player of the Year, Women's Player of the Year, to School and Club of the Year. This year's Senior Player of the Year nominees are Billy Holland, Tommy O'Donnell and CJ Stander, with Jack O'Donoghue, Rory Scannell and Darren Sweetnam all nominated for the John McCarthy award for Academy Player of the Year.

Meanwhile, a number of Academy players featured for Young Munster and Garryowen as both clubs took part in AIL play-off action on Saturday.

It was heartbreak for Young Munster as they were denied a place in the All-Ireland League final by a Lansdowne try in the last play of extra-time at the Aviva Stadium. Gearoid Lyons and Dan Goggin both started for the Cookies with Lyons adding 3 penalties and 1 conversion, while Diarmuid McCarthy – currently training with the senior squad – crossed for the Limerick side’s only try.

Better news for Garryowen who will be back in Division 1A of the AIL next season after they defeated St. Mary's College 13-3 at Templeville Road. Neil Cronin – another currently training with the senior squad – scored the game’s sole try with the academy’s Alex Wootton, Jamie Glynn and Steve McMahon (sub-academy) also featuring for Garryowen.