Pre-Season Update – Week 6

7th August 2015 By Munster Rugby

With just one week to go until the visit of Grenoble to Thomond Park, the Munster squad and management today completed week 6 of pre-season in heading to Ballina-Killaloe RFC for the final field session of the week before enjoying teambuilding exercises at the UL Sport Adventure Centre.

The squad remained in Head Coach Anthony Foley’s familiar haunt of Ballina-Killaloe for the full day and following the conclusion of on-field drills and plays, the squad made the most of the all too scarce summer sun and headed for the UL Sport Adventure Centre. There players worked as individuals and collectively in competing a number of fun teambuilding activities, both in the water and on the ropes.

Today also saw second row Mark Chisholm pay his first visit to his new club. The former Australian international and Bayonne captain was in Limerick today and met with Munster backroom staff in competing medical and fitness tests prior to his full move to the province in the coming weeks. It was announced on Wednesday that Chisholm will join Munster on a two-year contract subject to being granted a valid work permit and obtaining medical and fitness clearance.

On a flying visit for medical/fitness tests – Mark Chisholm with Team Manager Niall O'Donovan ??? pic.twitter.com/zEWpofqWwr

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) August 7, 2015

Also this week, fellow new recruit Francis Saili took to the field with his teammates for the first time, and as this year’s pre-season encounters loom large, Foley welcomed the full participation of a significant number of injury returnees – Cian Bohane (knee), Shane Buckley (shoulder), Robin Copeland (shoulder), Dave Foley (wrist), Dave O’Callaghan (knee), Mike Sherry (shoulder) and Gerhard van den Heever (knee).

Billy Holland (ankle) and Johnny Holland (hamstring) continue to rehab their respective injuries while a further eight players remain in Ireland training camp, six of whom have been selected for tomorrow’s World Cup warm-up clash with Wales at the Millennium Stadium, KO 2.30pm – Donnacha Ryan, Tommy O’Donnell, Keith Earls, Felix Jones, Dave Kilcoyne and Simon Zebo.

Munster commence pre-season action next Friday when Foley's charges host French Top 14 outfit Grenoble at Thomond Park – KO 7pm. The game will see the return of former Munster player and current Grenoble Backs Coach Mike Prendergast to Thomond Park and a highly competitive game is expected in what will be the French-men’s final contest before the commencement of their Top 14 campaign against Agen the following weekend.

After the game, all spectators are welcome to join the Munster players at a post-match BBQ in the Fan Zone Plaza where the players will be on hand to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

Purchase tickets online here, from the Munster Rugby Ticket Offices at Irish Independent Park or Thomond Park, or by calling 0818 719 300.